@ TakeItEasy:
Of course you´re right in having said that frankly, nevertheless: I can understand everybody out there who´s desperately seeking for his/her initial employment in commercial aviation. I would try Air Berlin again, if I was at that stage today.
Just a small hint: When phoning -3434 - 0, ask for Ms. "HEIKE GERLACH". On the one hand, she´s quite a nice person to talk with compared to the others in there...
On the other hand: She´s officially in charge reagrding prospective pilot applicants since the beginning of that year.
For all those out there willing to try: Good Luck !!