Will,
If it apparently the case that a type rating is prerequisite then I'd say your only option is to go ahead and invest in one.
To say that airline recruiting policy is less intersted in the individual is incorrect in fact it is quite the opposite Will. They are interested in you for what you have in terms of experience and qualification. I understand what you are trying to say but the day's when they'd take a someone with a PPL and pay for their training right through to right seat are gone (1980's?) - unless you're are lucky enough to get a sponsorship.
Over the years the individual has had to self-fund the cost of his training to increasingly advanced levels. Surely, the TR is an extension to this, albeit an ultimate one. Airlines look for plug-and-play staff as a matter of cost. So, I say with a very stout heart that "this is business". Wherever you work, whatever your industry, you'll always be up against more qualified more experienced candidates for a job, the market finds it's level and you have to accept that. I do know folks who have not met prerequisites but have been offered employment, however. These are probably exceptional circimstances.
It might change! There may be a "shortage" of suitably qualified/experienced pilots in which case the "market" will dictate that those requirements be relaxed.
I'm no expert (but I've had my eye on the training scene since the late 80's) but it's a gamble either way - wait for a possible relaxation in entry requirements or beg/borrow/steal £20K and go for it!
Either way Good Luck!!