Originally Posted by SSlow

I think it has less to do with that and more to do with the flow thru being the path of least resistance. If the end outcome is the same (job with mainline) then most do not really care to go out of their way to get there, especially if it involves any significant amount of effort (finishing a degree, interview prep course, job fairs, etc). At least that is what I have seen with the pilots that I personally know flowing up.

There are ambitious go getters and then there are those waiting around because it's easy.