After thinking about it I'm going to go to the regular non-NJ assessment (which, after confirming with OAA, will be free) in place of my Stage 2.
Assuming I pass, the results will be valid for the next 12 months - and I would not go on to do the course without some sort of airline scheme behind me. If/when the NJ scheme re-opens I'll be able to re-apply and then be considered directly for Stage 3.