The way I read it - and I could be wrong - is the matrix still applies. A candidate also has to do the SCC within 6 months, which could also be a barrier depending on how far ahead courses are booked up.
To meet the matrix for Flt Lt you have to have done 2 camps as Fg Off and 1 as Plt Off but I guess someone being promoted 2 ranks would be allowed to skip the Fg Off to Flt Lt part.
I’ve certainly not seen any ‘acceleration’ of OiCs to Flt Lt round my way but I have seen SNCOs appointed to WO on taking up a new post.
Honestly, maybe in the old days. Some of the regular officers I have seen these days couldn’t organise a knees up in a brewery. Standards have changed.
Ex pilot who was made redundant just after they had completed their EFT & promoted during their gardening/resettlement Leave would be pretty inexperienced as they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to lead & manage people the same way.
Funnily SCC have theirs go in straight at S/Lt as midshipman is only for under 25 year olds.
Funnily enough on my UAS we made sure we arranged a brewery tour every year just so we could say with a straight face that we in fact could organise a knees up in a brewery.
And I was a blunt regular Fg Off in the old days, so I reckon I just about scrape by as capable!
In some locations it is also very inconsistent, and probably a certain element of “if your face fits” or “if you are one of the clique”. My wing has had OCs in post for 1 year and not promoted from Fg Off, but others bumped to Flt Lt the day they took over. Latter had been commissioned for less time too.