Originally Posted by Jetjok

"Merit Based" is a euphemism for "screwing your way to the top." This is usually done in corporations, and I've seen it at work many, many times. I'll take the good old seniority system any day, at least for the major role that we as airline pilots play, that of line flying. For guys in the school house or for flight managers, I've no problem at all with merit based promotions. At least for the most part.