The simulation isn’t about teaching starfleet prospective officers anything. a single “This is stupid but we have to go through it,” simulation going to convince anything of any one or “teach” all the bullshit they say it does.
The real point of the exercise is that it’s a filter. Remember, the crew performance is observed. People are watching. This scenario and exercise is mandatory for all star fleet cadets because they’re looking for people that never get involved in the first place. Or are willing to follow orders or “greater good” bullshit.
Kirk was likely noticed for being extremely determined and a certain disregard for stupid rules. It also sets him up for being passed over on the seedier side of starfleet because, interestingly, that certain disregard for stupid rules comes from his integrity… which… is why Kirk was involved in episodes like Private Little War. (despite maybe not being “inside” he was still considered “useful” enough when he was in a convnient place?)
This is a rampant fan theory, sure, but section 31 would have to recruit from somewhere, and the academy is a wonderful place for that. Slipping a few exercises to see how cadets respond is… well, it’d be more surprising if they didn’t.
So… I’d go ahead and say that Kirk here is wrong.
The simulation isn’t about teaching starfleet prospective officers anything. a single “This is stupid but we have to go through it,” simulation going to convince anything of any one or “teach” all the bullshit they say it does.
The real point of the exercise is that it’s a filter. Remember, the crew performance is observed. People are watching. This scenario and exercise is mandatory for all star fleet cadets because they’re looking for people that never get involved in the first place. Or are willing to follow orders or “greater good” bullshit.
Kirk was likely noticed for being extremely determined and a certain disregard for stupid rules. It also sets him up for being passed over on the seedier side of starfleet because, interestingly, that certain disregard for stupid rules comes from his integrity… which… is why Kirk was involved in episodes like Private Little War. (despite maybe not being “inside” he was still considered “useful” enough when he was in a convnient place?)
This is a rampant fan theory, sure, but section 31 would have to recruit from somewhere, and the academy is a wonderful place for that. Slipping a few exercises to see how cadets respond is… well, it’d be more surprising if they didn’t.