HJS,
IMHO USMCflyer was spot on about the flying vs employment in the tactical aircraft thing. Sometimes it is much more difficult being the wingman than the flight lead. Not sure of it is now but typically it used to be a tactical guy would get 200 hours in a good year. Average flight duration would be .8 to 1.3 hours A 135 guy could get 500 with an average flight duration of between 4 and 8 hours. The upgrade for a tanker guy was normally around the 3 year point. So at the 5 year point between 2000 and 2500 hours with 1000 PIC. Flight lead upgrade was normally around the 2-3 year point. so after 3 years in a tactical aircraft, flight lead with about 600 hours. All PIC. 5 year point, 1000 hours PIC. So really the numbers sort of balance out.

I don't think anyone will argue that the big R is a handful in crosswinds. Your hours are very good but for some reason, the companies have the PIC requirement. I believe for the reasons you stated. All airframes have "why mine is tougher" scenario. Heart rates of pilots at night in the wx to the carrier have been recorded to be the same heart rate as in combat. So regardless if the guy is only a wingman, he still has to get back aboard. Flying to only a few airports might not be optimum but I think the emphasis might be on not where they are going but what they are doing. Not saying one airframe is better than the other. The aviation community needs diversity. The companies just decide who gets to play in the game.