I see what you're saying, but a case in point that may not really reflect that as a 100% valid statement.

The flow through between COEX and CAL. That flow through in essence had a "direct line" to a mainline/widebody seat. Although it went through various evolutions over time as far as boxes that had to be checked off before moving on to that mainline job.

But saying that that process would get better candidates is not a fail safe. Sure, everybody can rant on that the when you were hired at COEX you were hired by CAL, your paycheck said CAL, etc. And mid 90's when the competition was more extensive, sure the candidate was more qualified. But when the FT was in effect and the market forces/supply demand kicked in pre 9/11, having that FT agreement and a "direct line" to mainline had NO BEARING WHAT SO EVER on the overall qualification of the candidate.

Of course, all this got nixed in the spinoff/IPO, as well as the back dating of FT/Schindler's list/pref interview process.

But it serves as a case in point that what you're saying will not guarantee a better candidate.