Originally Posted by
Yakattack
The only scenario where you'd be forced to downgrade is if senior FOs who have delayed upgrading decide that now is their time. They've waited, they've gone without the big captain paycheck, and their decision allowed you to be where you are right now. Would you deny them their due to preserve your seat? They are senior to you.
Junior CA's are in fact protected. A senior FO can't just decide to displace them whenever he wants... he has to wait for a vacancy, or possibly a displacement bid, to upgrade.