[Finals the market has always being dominated by "those who can afford to fly will”. Apart from the military or ab intio cadet programs it has always being pay to fly. PPL, IR, CPL, ATPL, who paid for yours? SSTR is just an extension of what has being going on for years. At least with FR you have a job after spending the dosh. How much were you guaranteed when you started your ATPL ?
SSTR is not an extension, its an option. An option most people with SJS (Shiny Jet Syndrome) have. Is it fair though that because of Ryanair the whole market has to change? NO!
I think a lot of the pilots are asking others to take a "look at the whole picture" and not just themselves. As a student I might go the CFI route just to improve hours, gain some experience and move foward with a career at a "major" or an airline that bonds you for a couple of years. Getting the hours under my belt.
However I do say another way to combat this is to get GA back. General Aviation is what is causing low hours and because of that you people over the pond are suffering. (Just a thought)