How would it be decided who upgraded and who did not? Most other occupations promotions are based on merit and productivity. The issue with attempting to put airline pilots in that model is that we are all standardized. We show up for a trip and fly the trip. Admittedly, there are personality differences but finding a metric to differentiate one pilot from another in this occupation is nearly impossible. I think the current seniority system is functional, but the issue is that you don't take your seniority with you. One seniority list, as has been discussed in previous threads, is probably the most feasible way to neuter management.