In 2019 the TR cost was 5k and included a bond, there was a level of commitment from both sides. Right now there’s zero commitment from Ryanair and all the risk is on the cadet. Would you buy a car for 30k if there was a chance it may be delivered sometime in the future but it wasnt guaranteed? probably not. You could even argue that at least you get a 737 TR but its all but useless without the hours on type, less so in todays market.
The guys you know are waiting because realistically that is all you can do right now.