They could also fix the "forced" portion of the equation by inserting a question on the application like, "Are you interested in being a street captain"? They could then meet out whatever quantity of NH captains for the companies needs due to one's volunteer status.

Problem solved, and no current pilot on the seniority list is "harmed", assuming there are enough YES applicants.

I see advertising on APC saying, "Now hiring street captains" I guess it's a recruiting ploy in some circles. Go figure

This is what I would do in conjunction with a varied assortment of ages in the NH class to prevent a "retirement bubble" down the road with sufficient apps.