BA, like many other airlines do, indirectly charge for the type rating via a reduced salary.
I'm an ex oxford graduate, and had no major problems. As has been said, the management (especially in the FWB) needs (or needed when I was there) a rocket up their arse, but appart from that, things were fairly good. Out of my class, I think around 80% are now employed, or in holding pools.
There isn't a right or wrong way to do the training - it's a personal choice and each individual needs to figure out what the best course of action is.