Donning tin helmet.......................
I fail to understand the objection to SSTRs. If it is on some pseudo-serious basis such as safety and quality of training, the argument holds no water. No operator would be allowed to put someone on line without a comprehensive and validated assessment of their actual ability, and training to an accepted standard, followed by LPC/ Skills Test Etc., administered by a representative of the Authority.
An SSTR can, therefore, be seen only as a demonstration of commitment and, perhaps, of potential ability (and, therefore, minimiser of commercial risk) by a prospective employer.
If you don't have the money for one, I'm sorry personally but it's a tough old world out there.
As I say to my own children, usually a propos of table-manners, speaking style, etc. much though I might wish it were different (and I do): there's no such thing as an unfair advantage, just an advantage.
Good luck to aspirants, anyway.
Retires to bunker ..............................