daria-ox
Is it sour grapes I detect, might you have failed the selection to get onto an integrated course ?
If you have not tried then maybe you should as you will learn a lot about yourself, and if you really have what it takes to get to the top in this career.
The selection procedure to get into the likes of OAA is not rocket science, but one thing it does is separate the men from the boys, and the find those that are motivated to succeed whatever their age.
Stop talking (typing) and listen, for when you know that life is 2/3rds listening and 1/3rd talking you will achieve your goals.
While this downturn is here SSTR's and probably the integrated route will be the quickest and best path to an airline job over the next 18 to 24 months.
If you cant afford this route yet, wait and save that cash until you can.