Exlor
How can Melinda or the Larkinson Family dare to preach morals to Ves? Weren't they the ones responsible for grooming generations of children to fight in wars for the Bright Republic? Even those that didn't have the aptitude to be mech pilots were expected to help in the war effort through other means. Those that didn't follow the status quo, such as Raella, were shunned. People like to criticize Ves for his lack of morals, but tend to forget that this was what he learned from those experiences.
Ves might be able to alleviate his Journeyman bottleneck if he starts recruiting from 3d Rate areas! Heck - even some of the older Seniors might be willing to hire on as employees to a 2nd Class organization. Expecially given the generous augment loan program already in place! And the constant push to continue developing 3rd class market mechs.