Why not give each pilot on the seniority list a free pick. One person they are willing to sponsor and vouch for. You only get one pick, so make it count. If the person is hired and completes probation, then you get another pick. If the person does not get hired, you have to wait a year before you can recommend another candidate. Pick the most qualified candidate from that bucket of people. That would probably narrow down the process immensely.

Just thinking out loud.