wangus - fair points, unfortunately RYR and Easy are the only two now recruiting low hrs guys and gals, almost identical contracts! sadly its their game and so their rules, and to be as successful as they are they have got to be savvy at this HR and discrimination thing, it can't go on forever though, i'm sure the wheel will come off one day, and is some style!
Truckflyer - I am just playing devils advocate, there is a training risk involved with someone who is more mature, this is not my opinion, but a scientifically studied fact. However I am of the opinion that each person should be viewed as an individual and treated fairly. There are a lot of cocky little s**** in RYR who are arrogant and believe themselves to be the next best thing in aviation, in contrast there are a lot of very mature younger guys. I am sure the same thing is evident in those of more mature years. Its not all about flying either, you've also got to include CRM and basic social skills, it has been said to me on more than one occasion how nice it is to fly with an "older" FO as we tend to have more to talk about than the younger aerosexuals!
as always, best of luck to all who apply, whichever airline it may be, its all the same job at the end of the day!