In 10 years from now 80% of pilots in SAS will have retired - makes a pretty good upgrade prognosis...
Sure you can buy your way to a faster upgrade in the loco world - but you will most likely never use that upgrade in a major(non-loco) airline.
Start pay is an issue that needs to be addressed if they want to attract a wider array of pilots - or even to get enough applicants.
I foresee at great battle in the future attracting the "right stuff" between airlines. Good for us....