For what it's worth
For what it's worth I do think integrated is the way to go if you are older. To be honest after graduating from OATS (Integrated) at 36 I didn't get invited even to a first interview by any of the multitude of airlines I applied to, but when OATS put me forward to two airlines I was offered interviews with both and happily am now working for one of those.
I wish you luck - it's a tough decision and a long hard road, but sipping coffee at 25000 feet today watching the sunset it felt like the best decision and worth all the effort and sacrifice. Would I choose to go back to my previous IT management career with its salary of more than double my F/O wage? - Not bloody likely!!
Good luck to all of you,
Desk-pilot
PS for younger guys I think it's probably less of an issue.