Originally Posted by Sink r8

I would argue that the bucket size isn't driving this. If there is moderate flying in a catgeory, and the bucket size is for example 80, then the more senior pilots will have to work in the second half, and they will have to keep working until their own RAW score gets them into the higher bucket, while the junior guy is hanging out. In other words, a bigger bucket, with a moderate amount fo flying, means the senior guy is more likely to start later in the month, when the junior guy will have a quiet period.

If there is a lot of flying, you can't hide: the flying will hit everyone. A bucket isn't a guarantee of not flying, it's a guarantee of being picked last.

The real value of the system, when there is almost no flying, is that the senior-most guy has a good chance at not having to fly. When this happens, this system incentivizes senior pilots to bid Reserve, and junior pilots have access to more lines. It also helps commuters: the junior pilot that wants to fly a lot, and be done, actually can. The RAW score system without buckets made sure he was a prisoner in his crashpad, constantly in limbo, not free to go home, but not getting used either.

The people that complaint the most are the the people that have to fly weekends. Considering how much we now who are for more, it's a by-product of senior pilots putting in WS during the week, and there is nothing the RAW buckets will do to prevent it.