Are you suggesting we have merit based upgrade? That cannot be farther from the truth. When you meet the mins, you submit the bid and if you senior enough to hold it, you are awarded it. Also none of our upgrade classes have been filled for at least 18 months. If you bid it you will get it. There have been plenty of FOs that have upgraded within 6 months and Lakes cannot prevent you from bidding it.

PM me. I'm interested in your friends story.