Roberts: Straight to the Top?

Just this morning, Bush has not only decided who was to replace Rehnquist as a Supreme Court justice, but as chief justice. Robert's nomination is now set to fill in the gap Rehnquist's death has left, in both positions.
As of right now, I can't really oppose (or really aprove) Robert's nomination to the bench. However, I do oppose his nomination straight to the position as chief justice. First of all, he has had no experience in the Supreme Court as a justice. One consideration when it comes to such a position, even though it is largely ceremonial, is seniority. Experience also should be a consideration. Even if you look under performance, he has very little even as a federal appointee.
While I would approve of any current justice to be elevated to chief justice, I would actually like to see O'Connor being elevated to the position, even though she is set to leave as soon as her replacement is confirmed. It would not only be a good thing for O'Connor herself, but it would show that Bush does actually see that he can compromise.
By putting Roberts straight to the position of chief justice, it tells me that he wants to control as much as he can, for as long as he can. By putting Roberts in the Supreme Court, it shows that he wants his influence in the political arena to extend as long as possible. I fear that plan might actually work.