Thanks for the comments guys. Interesting points you have made. I have written back to the airline in question and asked a few questions shall we say. I have asked a few people I know in certain airlines about the type rating and the comments received have been "it wouldn't be much use to us", and "they are making money from the type rating and probably won't even offer you any employment at the end of it!" so I think I'll let this one go as an offer I can refuse!.
I'm sure things will pick up soon...lets hope so! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">