A fully sponsored ab-initio does not get everything presented on the silver tablet! During their training, they have to perform in a very small bandwith. The tolerance from the sponsoring companies to failures is small. Your whole training record is monitored and if there are problems, you face the risk of being thrown out
So they have to work for it? Who doesn't?
What do they get at the end of it? A nice comfortable, well-paid job. OK there are the few that don't, but they have a much greater chance than Joe Bloggs down at ABC Flying Club.
I don't have a problem with sponsored people. I have even gone for the odd one in my time, however, it really baffles me when there are hundreds of suitably qualified people out there with the necessary attributes who can't even get an interview.
You say that airlines like to pre-select new employees, but of the hundreds of unemployed fATPL's out there, I’m sure there is somebody for every airline from Air Atlantique to British Airways!
I think it’s excellent that BA intend to hire. Hopefully everyone will move up and those not on the ladder hopefully will step on. Maybe then, when there genuinely is a shortage of pilots, great bring out the sponsorship schemes.