Looks to me as most people on here couldn't care less they are holding back Jetstar pilots. That is of course unless you are a jetstar pilot. Whether it's legal or not, it is wrong. Has it been done before? Sure. Will it be done again? You bet. But it does not change it from being wrong and unethical.
In times of large scale recruitment being held back months can make many years difference down the line for your career, getting that command or that east Coast base you want.
Jetstar clearly have their pilots numbers ridiculously short. As a result a lot of pilots at Jetstar hoping to make a career change into qantas will be affected. They either have the choice of jumping on the back of the que in qantas or staying at Jetstar. It's the individuals decision based on their age, their want to change jobs, family life etc etc.