[Ace's Dad]

Is there any field which is still merit based? Professional sports?

Airline Captainacy (I made up a word), that is the number of airline pilots that are elevated to Captain status, is very merit based. I've been observing this since my son (Ace) started flying as a professional.

[Governor Dinwiddie]

That's one bright spot. Glad to hear it.

I've read a couple of accounts of lady pilots who have done some amazing "saves" with a damaged or malfunctioning aircraft. Clearly merit based promotion is the key.