"Also, as many of you out there can attest too; getting a helicopter licence is far too easy. Anyone with enough money can buy time to eventually reach the minimum standard to pass a flight test. They may take longer, more attempts but they will eventually meet the requirements, pass the test and start competing with you for a job."
What's the problem, really? The authorites have stated a minimum level in order to work commercially. It shouldn't matter how much time the applicant need in order to reach that minimum level. It is however up to the operators not to employ those that don't have the appropriate skills to improve themselves.
"There needs to be a standards check along the way that says - if you don't meet the standard in this time, then perhaps you really should be thinking about another career."
If you refer to the theoretical side of it - welcome to Europe and the JAA!
Actually, if it's cheaper to get your certificate it's more likely that the operators will be able to find someone who is made of the right stuff.
Take an instrument rating under the JAR regulations as an example. It's not like you're going to spend $40.000 on an instrument rating if you don't really need one. This gives the result that almost no VFR-pilots get an instrument rating while it goes without saying to get your instrument ticket if you train under the FAA regulations. The FAA instrument ticket might not be to the same standard as the JAR, but needless to say it's far better than nothing.