As a former MoD who tried to keep the NPA active back when things were starting to slow down, I met quite a few frustrating experiences in trying to revive its old energy, though it was not necessarily because of a hostile old guard moreso than a lack of active officers. I will be watching this...
But what if DS1 was appointed 2 months ago, then DS2 was appointed a week ago, having served for 3 months previously in the office (longer than DS1) and then took a 1-year break? Wouldn't it be unfair for DS1 to be passed over despite possessing more recent experience?
"Essentially everything" isn't a real argument because you pointed to nothing. "We will stoop so low as to falsely attack our opponents with lies and half-truths when they go DM campaigning." isn't the winning argument you think it is.