I got asked straight up why I didn't stay with 12 years active. I was a 2XFOS for LCDR as well.

Left HSL with a #1MP, had only been a LT for maybe a year when I left (checked in as an ENS), and then did a transition to E-2s in lieu of shore tour from a timing point. When I started the transition it was a 90+% selection rate to LCDR. When I went in zone (YG02, pulled up into YG01) it was less than 60, and was less than 50 for my AZ look (when I was actually supposed to be IZ).

I told them I had a non standard career path, mostly because I valued flying over promotion, and wanted to be a carrier aviator. I rolled the dice with promotion to be able to fly jets and turboprops off the carrier, which I did. I then threw in being Top Hook to get them off the "Why didn't you promote".

Went SELRES, got passed over for a third time. Dropped to IRR.

Then I picked up LCDR. Don't try to make sense out of BUPERS, they don't know what the heck they are doing. Apathy has been the key to promotion.