Look, Im sure the FAs sitting in on the interview are great people and as you stated HR is in the mix for many organizations (not the one I currently work for). I am "upset" about it (some will get this and others will not) because the command authority of the pilot is constantly being diminished by actions like this. On numerous occasions I have seen / heard gate agents attempt to contradict Captains. I have heard station managers make statements that pilots are "nothing but glorified bus drivers". FAs telling a Captain he couldn't put a bag (his bag) in the flight deck. It goes on and on. Where do they get the idea that the Captain is obligated to follow their "orders"? From programs like the one instituted at JetBlue.

JetBlue is a great company. The pilots I have met have all been awesome guys / gals. I do believe however that the tactics used by management in the hiring process are specifically designed to reduce the prestige associated with the position. It's aimed at developing a culture that says, "All you workers are equals"...we're not. Whether you like the double breasted blazer (Delta) or not the authority of the Captain is absolute and before anyone throws out the CRM argument, the majority of those pilots run a great crew.