I think he said "for a fee" not "for free"
sorry, I did read wrong (was too early in the morning). But still, I don't think it's right to fly for someone without pay! And I've been told that that's being done!
It used to be that type ratings were financed with deductions from the paycheck...
I often ask myself where a new wannabee now-a-days gets the cash to pay for training or type ratings, unless they come from a rich family.
(no, I'm not a wannabee myself.... I just know the business for many years).
Westy