I guess one of the things going on here and lie beneath all this debate (very interesting btw), is the fact that it is tremendously tough and sad to give up a dream that many of us aim to fulfill one day. I include myself here. The thing is that when you want something "so badly", you can't think rational and always try to read/seek for opinions that support your positions, but unfortunately, we need to listen to those in the industry and to those who tell us reality, which will be pretty gloomy for a couple of years (hopefully 2 or 3 in a best case scenario?).
I think is a great idea to have a PPL, fly whenever possible as time building makes up, and start ATPL theory without doing exams at least until there is some clarity about short-term future? At least, that's my idea and I try to be happy doing it, despite all this huge negativity/reality check.