ACMS, just to let you know that pilots are not the first (even in the aviation industry) to be treated this way. Recently, air traffic controllers were issued 457 visas in EXACTLY the same manner you are discussing here. Meanwhile, expat aussies were told they were "less suitable" than the foreigners sponsored by AsA (which is, in effect, a govt dept). How AsA was even allowed to provide 457 visas is a mystery (given that the criteria for issuing them was not met). A letter-writing campaign to ministers, MPs etc. may have had some effect. Time will tell.
I hope people understand that most do not take issue with those individuals who have availed themselves of this means of entry, it is those responsible for these activities who deserve the vitriol (and who also are directly responsible for causing the "shortage" in the first place).
You have to love the way the champions of 'globalisation' cannot stomach the consequences of a global market for skilled labour. Rather than pay 'global' money, they distort the market by selling the 'lifestyle' dream. Hypocrites.