An interesting topic.
I have placed a few pilots within the industry over the last few years, and will not recomend any of the 'slippery' ones who 'buy' flash type ratings.
The ones who make the best pilots (in my opinion) are the ones who pay for it themselves(not with daddys money or a student loan), 'cause they get some life experience on the way, and dont expect the world to owe them a living.
I would never employ one who wants to work for 'nothing' or 'hours', they are just in too much of a hurry!
A lot of what makes a good pilot, or instructor, is personality.
The ones who ahve, and are, working for nothing, are only making it hard for the rest, and are actually cheapening the whole industry!
No wonder some GA employer dont want to pay, why should they, when these twits will do it for nothing.
We want professional ,safe pilots, not lackeys.
Enough said, back to the bug smasher.