Sorry, early mornings don't agree...my previous post on re-reading not making for the clearest reading of anything I've ever written.
It is definitely fair to say that if Ryanair continue to recruit as many mod students as they ever did but add some int students, then those who have completed the int route will likely have paid more for the same job.
However, if there are fewer jobs around, it becomes an employers market. If the employer perceives that an int grad offers a lower risk and "better [more structured] product, (I believe the Ryanair chaps said that the average OAA grad completes line training something like 7 sectors sooner than mod) then the jobs they do have will go where they perceive the lower risk to be.
What I am therefore saying is that the logic only holds true that mod students are better off when the playing field remains level. If that playing field becomes massively in favour of the recruiters, as it will in a down turn, then the advantage is swiftly eroded if - IF - those recruiting perceive that the integrated grads offer a better solution.
It's a tough call when it's a tough market....less debt vs slightly better odds....
For what it's worth tho, I'd appreciate it if we can stop calling the OAA/FTE/Cabair integrated course fees £70-£80k....they're not. It's only that much if you include living costs....so unless you're planning on being dead for the duration of your mod course, those additional costs equally well apply there also...it's too often used as a lever that isn't applicable in actuality.