Worth noting that the pilots that were taken on having bought type ratings had not had to pay for their training up until then - that was state sponsored - so they aren't actually £70k in debt. Doesn't help you if you are from the UK though.
A very good point DB6.
I seem to remember Eastern taking a lot of Scandinavians for the very same reason, ie TR paid for by their country. It bit them in the a
e in the long run though, as those same people were off the second a jet job came along, owing Eastern nothing and causing massive turnover in crew. Not sure if they are so keen on it anymore.