Rock
Nearly all pilots that join airlines will have a frozen ATPL. Yes there seems to be a consensus that agree if you have been to one of the recognised schools, you'll get a better chance of employment. However, I have known a number of these guys who are still looking for work having been to one of these schools a long time ago.
The oter option is to go out and buy yourself a TR. This will cost anywhere between GBP 15 - 25,000, depending on which a/c you want to fly. Infact, this seems to be the way to gaining employment on a worlwide scale at present.
Be wise, choose carefully. PM me if you need any further help with this matter.
HPC