BB,
As SinBin says, they'll get the money out of you one way or another!
However, saying that, my analysis is that the problem is the perceived need for speculative TRs, not SSTRs in general. Being 'forced' down the road of buying a TR in the hope of a job puts the risk squarely on the prospect and totally absolves the employer.
Should the employer interview the prospect, like what they see and offer employment conditional on references checking out and an LST pass within a reasonable timeframe and to their requirements, then that I think is fair enough. It would require a little more work and forward planning for the employer but for a much reduced and arguably reasonable level of risk for the wannabe.
However, don't get me started on the absurd concept paying for line training on revenue earning flights - Monty Python anyone!?