MUNT, I personally know an ex-AN pilot who got through the sim evaluation in 01/02 for mainline, but was told to go and do the bridging course before he could be employed. They really wanted to employ the guy, but were hamstrung by previous HSC requirements and told him so at the time. He is now in the sandpit.
You may well be correct, the pool may be shrinking. I am just pointing out what has occurred previously.