just my guess using logic...
lead time for sponsored cadet pilots about 2 years but Euro age laws come in in OCT 2006 yep about 2 years BA would be nuts not to wait until the implications of the law are certain . It is unlikely that these implications will be known until early next year .
BA will have 2 choices if it does not get enough applicants , reduce the requirements for applicants or look at SS/partial sponsorship .
Those who have paid for their own type ratings and bought 100 sectors line training may have made the right move .
Only another 73 sectors to go .