@Signet 263
I think you'll find that maxalt is an Aer Lingus pilot (at least that's the impression I've gleaned from his previous posts) and so he probably did get sponsored as a cadet back in the good ol' days!
I have to put my hand up and admit that I too am an ex-cadet and one of the famous '44'. You speak very negatively of the company maxalt. If things are really that bad are you also considering moving on to greener pastures? If not, why not?
If the cadets are ever offered their jobs back there are many who wouldn't return, being happy with their current lot, and probably citing some of the reasons you have given for their decision. Off the top of my head there are at least 3 cadets working with BA longhaul, and then a few with Easyjet, Aer Arann, CityJet, Monarch, GB and others. I'm sure that the BA guy's won't be coming back. Out of my class of 10, I'd say about 6 would be interested in getting back to AL. Those that do wish to get back are under no illusion that the company that hired them in 2000 is dead and gone, and that things are not as rosy as they used to be. However for many, the Dublin base, the aircraft type and the money are just three reasons why many would move from their current flying jobs back to AL.