I do believe Englishal is hinting toward number three being the sponsored route-"by far the cheapest". I did modular, several attempts at everything! including B&B's travelling to exams, training cost me in the region of 40k with MCC costing 3k of the total. Did my PPL, IMC night and multi + 100hrs in the states. Came back, home studied for the exams, finally passed these and went on to do my CPL/IR in the UK and finished off with 20hrs on the 757 sim (MCC) Bought a share in a Cessna and keep current in it.....this is not included in the price quoted!
Still looking for a job but things look better every day. Good luck, I am told it's worth it!