At least one airline in the past accepted applications from integrated but not modular. That policy was relaxed but there were stipulations on the academic qualifications of the modular applicant if I recall correctly.
There is nothing wrong with going straight from school to an ATO to an airline. The funding should have no influence. It’s certain that a competency based interview will require you to give examples of situations. It’s inevitable that an older candidate with more life experiences will find this easier or so you’d think.
There is a certain irony that people on a course will compare notes and potential answers to interview Qs. They clearly have in the past sat around discussing it.
A military officer however will be busy perhaps as a flight commander whilst being a husband/wife and parent to young children. The answers the latter give are unlikely to be as prepared.
a well rounded recruiter won’t get fed up and will remain objective respectful and fair whilst recognising these idiosyncrasies.