For heaven's sake...
Just about every thread on pprune includes blaming whatever problem is being discussed on THE LOW-COST AIRLINES. Get real. The airlines perceived as low-cost are simply businesses that operate efficiently in the face of stiff competition. As opposed to all those "aaah the good old days" airlines who thrived because they had route monopoly and government backing. And they still have not learned their lesson. Just flew with an ex-Connect guy who said the amount spent on needless taxis (one person per taxi please) probably canceled out any chance at making a profit on some routes. We should come up with a new naming convention, where LoCo are called Airlines and (most) legacy flag carriers HiCo Airlines.
To go back to the pilot shortage, there is NO WAY EZY or Ryan would let FOs that don't make the grade pass the line check get into the right seat. They are far too aware of the repercussions one or two crashes would have. If this shortage is to have an effect on safety, it will be with the parts of the world where safety is already questionable. And you can't blame "Low Costs" for that.
Like Full Wings said, the output of trained pilots will eventually catch up. Just in time for the next recession
P