And to add to this, the pilot with the additional experience went through a further learning curve. IOW, actually put into practice their own leadership/decision making skill. Each step above (like LCA) adds a new layer to the learning curve. As opposed to sitting around with the "if I was CA, I'd do it this way.....", or "when I'm CA........"

It's intersting to watch the various personalities and styles. Fly with an FO. Sharp dude, but may be laid back. Nothing bothers him, relaxed, almost a little too much. Probably because he's bored/burned out from being an FO for a long time.

Then upgrades and starts building the rep of being a micro managing a-hole to fly with. Amazing how the personality can shift/alter when they realize it's them signing the paperwork now, and are flying with guys that ARE JUST LIKE THEY USED TO BE. Again, they didn't know what they didn't know.

Doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen.