Spaceman
You see to have missed FAB's point.
You could have a Tr on an airlines type with 10,000hrs PIC but without knowing someone in this market you might as well bend over, look at your hole and kiss it goodbye.
FAB now has a mate in an airline who will now go to the CP and say. "When you need someone, I know a good bloke".
I have just done the same for a mate who has been trying to get into my airline for 5 years and all of a sudden he gets an interview after i had a few "chats" with the CP. The system works!
Your doom and gloom (though understandable) is holding you back.
Make a few buddies with jobs and see the difference it worked for me and many others.
I wish you good luck Spaceman as you sound like you are at your wits end.