Calm before the storm. The fundamentals haven't changed.... Just a lull as the airlines work out a game plan and switch from summer flying and back into training/hiring.
The shortage is more nuanced (and severe) than the face value figures purport to represent. The 1500h rule has shrunk the gene pool; less pilots to choose from means the quality has to drop when it comes to filling cockpits. The numerator hasnt changed but the denominator has shrunk.
Rumours are that some majors are finding canadidates they are currently training are failing at greater rates as compared to historical trends.
I would hazard a guess that there will be greater emphasis placed on flying abilities over personality in the recruiting process in the near future.