MOTS,
Like I said my post wasn't a 'dig' at you. I wore rose tinted glasses for quite some time. No doubt after a sales pitch from SOME schools those who aspire to join you will also be wearing those same rose tinted glasses. You didn't say it was easy or stressfree but to the aforementioned tinted glasses wearer it could sound nice and simple and your short wait could easily imply an almost guaranteed job offer from the NS big 3. All I've added is a little reality check, because of the huge risks involved, and you've now also already shown that you started the slow process of applying before the IR had ended
Financial costs for me of zero to CPL/FI ME IR were in the region of £117K, so I can still easily recall the stresses of job hunting.
Bottom line: IMHO
To get a ME IFR job as a P2 offshore, regardless of hours, requires all the determination and ingenuity you've now described, and also as you've added a measure of LUCK.
To get a ME IFR job as a P2 offshore with minimal (200-300 TT) hours requires even more LUCK.
Chances of getting an onshore (VIP,corporate,charter) ME IFR P2 job with low hours (sub 1000) almost nil. With minimal hours (200 ish) significantly less than nil.
Chances of getting any onshore SPIFR role with minimal hours and a new IR????? Better chance with the National Lottery.
Sadly thats just the way it is
In the current climate if a high risk is acceptable do the IR and keep your fingers crossed. If lower risk is preferable then go FI.
End of the day you pays your money you makes your choice.
Oh, and the third quote was there simply as there were about 5 weeks between the first two and the third