Originally Posted by skruts

I actually can’t think of anyone who has been denied upgrade based on their personality, it’s not a political thing at all and definitely does not appear to be going that way.

The more common scenario is a retired 787 driver comes over and just has no idea how to operate 4-5 legs a day, 20 minute turns, no VNAV or autothrottle etc. Instead of them upgrading right away they will sit in the right seat a little longer until fully acclimated and then they’ll upgrade them. This isn’t always the case but just an example of why the system is the way it is. Overall it’s still seniority + vacancy but “merit” is considered for the reasons above.

The rec comes from check airmen or standards captains not the chief pilot so there’s some checks and balances from that as well.

My $.02 at least.