I did 15 years Airman's service before, to quote Israel Hands from Treasure Island, "I want their pickles and wines, and that." So I took the plunge and served for a further 12 years as a Commissioned Officer.
Initially it was difficult making the transition. I kept saluting JO's and calling WO's Sir.
But eventually............I considered myself an OK Squadron Joe. Not great, but not bad either. I could see both sides of everything.
It was only at my release interview with my AOC (which came completely out of the blue, Staish OK, AOC wow). He had obviously researched my pen portrait. "My Airman's service had made me" he said "but I had made my Commissioned service" and "That I would be missed".
The letter he wrote to me, on behalf of the Air Force Board, some time later, I still treasure.
Obviously, it would not suit everybody. However, I certainly would recommend service in the Ranks, however short or long, before attaining 'the pickles and wine'.