In one way its good to have a rating on your licence as it stands out on your CV, shows your commitment, abilty to complete course etc etc. However with some airlines its not worth the paper its written on!
A type rated pilot with no hours is rather an unknown quantity. They need full base and line training, they have no gone through the Company groundschool and simulator course and therefore may no of covered what the Company want or are obliged for them to cover.
Remember, a type rated approved course has to follow a set and very rigid syllabus; the CAA insist on it, they want to make sure ALL pilots cover ALL subjects.
That I suspect is why they didnt bite off the hand of your friend.
Many years ago when Airtours converted their pilots from the MD-83 to the 320, they held this opinion. They would rather spend the money and put a pilot throught the complete course than have someone join who may of missed something important.
I know it doesnt help your friend but sometimes its good to have a bit of background info.