Lots of "ifs". That's the problem. When will the market recover? More importantly for you, when will the airline want MPLs again?
Big issue is you're being trained for the B737. Not too useful if the only folks are hiring are operating Airbus.
So for €14-15k you can switch over to a "frozen" ATPL and free you up to apply to anyone etc. Given you've done Airline "X's" programme then a few VFR hours shouldn't affect your employability. Now, if you did something interesting with the VFR flying, such as tackle a challenging trip, then there's a lot of learning in there. You'll get a lot of real command experience and will make an interesting story at the interview.
Timing is every thing and keeping an instrument rating current is a real challenge and can get very expensive. Keep that in your calculations.