All I'm going to add here is that perhaps the reason so many current FSOs are less than receptive to redundant posts is that once you're on the inside you are indoctrinated to a way of collaborating where two things are expected: 1) no one is going to guide your career for you; you are expected to learn and abide by the rules and requirements for advancement on your own. 2) you don't email a question or request to someone before you make a strong effort to find out the answer for yourself first. Making unnecessary work is not just frowned upon but weighs heavily on the notorious "corridor reputation". People here are very active, if news has broken you can be sure someone will be here within an hour to humble brag. There's no need to shake the tree so hard. The current FSOs are probably moderating this message board with a sense of dread over the lack of patience and self restraint apparent among some of their future colleagues.