I understand the TBNT for the very low timers that don't even meet the published minimums, but the higher time guys I'm not sure what the deal is.

A friend of mine applied about 10 days ago(and didn't tell me that he had), and 2 days ago got the email for the online assessment which he passed today. A little over 10k TT, about 6k of that PIC jet, currently a 737 Captain overseas. Only 10 or so oceanic crossings. Maybe the PIC time is the kicker?