I’ll put i my two bobs worth in answer to that question @Thomas Stearn He’s an Aussie just like me ..and we are nice friendly people ..so what do you need when you first join a forum ? A friendly greeting ...
We Americans are also a pretty friendly bunch so I guess, Hal could post the same about me although I haven't been here a year yet. I doubt that Ken bases his decisions on time here. But you'd have to ask him about that.
I do not believe there is a “time in grade” formula established here. Ken considers a lot of things but the geographical location (time zones) and the fact that Craig volunteered his services were a large portion of those considerations I am sure.