Plot questions
Was James the most competent recruit after all? Was his wash out just for Walter's own personal sake because he needed the most talented agent for his theft? Would James have been the NOC if he stayed in it?
shareI think you are right about him being the most competent. Burke needed someone with all that natural talent and a huge chip on his shoulder with a touch of paranoia, enough that he could manipulate him towards his own personal needs.
No other recruit was tortured including Zack, the NOC, or placed up against so many obstacles. Burke purposely guided James through his training and used his role as mentor in order to control him in the future when he literally trusts no one else when he is discharged right before completion.