Keep it real.
The whole point is the recruitment process isn't a recruitment process, it's a culling process. Merit is difficult to quantify, Qantas has no allegiances to any particular group of pilots. If It was, then of course the ex cadets would all be placed accordingly. And because of this, it must be remembered the process is there to take out or eliminate candidates.
My reference to ex cadets was so they are fully aware of the process.
They will be very lucky to be given another opportunity within a year. It's a deep deep pool that is available to Qf. They wil cull whoever and however. Sadly, good and bad will miss out and good and bad will be successful.
Unfortunately, in this day and age of hr processes, recruitment cannot occur with a chat and afternoon at the pub. Much more revealing in the real word.
I wish all success in their endeavours.