Given that Lufthansa is unlikely to be back to its pre-COVID capacity before 2024, largely because of long-haul, and that there are already plenty of people in the pipeline - no wonder. Also, there will likely be more than enough experienced German pilots fighting for each place in Lufthansa, no matter what. So, why generate extra costs in times when cash is short? Airlines were shown what a high-risk investment cadet programmes are like never before. You can never truly guarantee that, in two years time when your cadets will graduate, the market situation will be favorable enough to allow for their intake. Back in October 2018, did we think that this would happen? Absolutely not!
With this in mind, I would advise anyone aiming for a cadet programme in the next couple of years, no matter where in the world, to accept that they will likely only be offered something where the entire financial risk lies with them. You pay for everything upfront and MAYBE you will get a job in the end. Likely not right away but after spending some time in a holding pool. So, think twice about whether paying any premium price for such an arrangement is worth it. And, when the time comes, only go for it if you're sure that you can afford the less-than-favourable scenario.