JetHeat, with your very limited experience you have little idea of heavy jet flying or military flying ( I note from elsewhere you just got your first KLMuK position - congrats ). Precisely which airline oral or type-ride did you sit over here?. I think an ex-US Navy pilot would surprise you with knowledge, and fly rings around you, in an F-18 or an airliner.
You're basing your thoughts on light civvie flying. I think that the Euro-students ARE further ahead at this early stage, simply because the weather is crummier and the airspace constraints are tighter. Also, progression to big jets is potentially much quicker, so the ability to have all the theory is needed at an earlier stage. This goes for the RAF, as well. The Forces are too small in the UK to carry anyone on a Sqn for as long as the US allows, whilst qualifications are completed.