I'd agree with that. However, that skill gets more finely honed they become PIC and get to exercise their OWN command traits based on their personal experience. THEY are making the decisions, etc.......

Sort of agree. But that really wouldn't come out until an ACTUAL interview happens. And said FO gets asked a TMMAT time question and handles it superbly. But as far as apps screening goes, it's as discussed. For RIGHT HERE, and RIGHT NOW, the more boxes checked off, the better. As far as flight experience goes.

It always cracked me up when an FO that was on the verge of upgrade would say "you don't need PIC to get hired ya know".

Again, that's a true statement, we've covered that territory. But the question that runs through my brain is "yeah, so what are you STILL going here?". Couple that with these pilots were again, just short of upgrade. Meaning senior, have good schedules, etc. And the thought of going through the training event, going BACK on reserve after being a line holder for 7+ years, commuting, etc, they're looking for a way to rationalize NOT upgrading.

And I KNOW I'll get flamed for this, or it'll turn into standard thread derail. But the FO's/SICs/co-pilots that have that mentality and haven't held some kind of credible leadership role elsewhere just simply DO KNOW WHAT THEY DO NOT KNOW.