Ray,
You know as well as I do, that there was , is, and always shall be favorites / favoritism in this industry. Oldies, middluns’, and newer (not newbies) whether their qualifications, skills, and/or aptitude characteristics are on top, questionable, or just mediocre; the favoritism, nepotism, and "Purple Circle" factor is within just about every company offshore. Drinking / pub buddies goes a long way as well… This is not a recent phenomena – it’s happened throughout the years. Not only do you have to have the "walk" but you have to have the "talk" as well apparently…. Sad but true.