Trying to figure out the value of being X numbers more senior is trickier. None one wishes they were six months more junior and everyone realizes the value of being six months more senior.
Guys hired 6-12 months ahead of me have made at least $500,000 more on increased seniority and you can add in another $250K+ for their additional time at the airline. That translates into more income over their career OR the ability to retire 2-3 years earlier with the same retirement portfolio. Let's not even mention holiday or vacation bidding.
The reward for being hired 6-12 months earlier is huge. Getting hired years earlier? Light years different.