Hey JetABro,
They are actually predicting that it will come to the point that the 100-hour requirement will eventually be scrubbed and only a TR will be required as they will experience further pilot shortages. I can't blame the expats if they leave, they have issues with the mentality of the Indian Captains.
And yes you are right, it's 17K USD for 500 hours. Then get out as fast as you can. The cheapest place to get the A320 TR is in SimCenter in Miami, Florida.
Cheers
D6