I have heard similar rumours through a Ryanair Captain. Nothing about the roster but very similar to flyingsand's comments. A severe shortage of pilots. The figure of thousand required in the near future. In his opinion they cannot continue to ask for type rating money up front for much longer quite simply because it puts off too many possible applicants. More likely a loan arrangement as per other airlines.
I also heard that they have been giving back some of things taken away recently such as medical fees or the price of a uniform at bases away from Dublin?. Perhaps a current Ryanair pilot could confirm this?
Let's face it something must change soon. If the pilot pool is growing smaller, Ryanair cannot continue to attach complications to possible candidates. They will vote with their CV's and work for their rivals.