TR
i would easily pay the 20k or whatever it is - to fly a 737 to madrid and back 5 times (as suggested above).
Ive not done the maths but im sure it would be cheaper to do a modular course and fork out an additional 20k for a TR then it would be for an integrated course without a TR? Or least least very similar in price.
The job prospects are probably not much better (if at all) with a TR but at least you can the kick of flying the 737 (albeit for a short period of time). I might seriously consider paying for a TR in a couple of years when the industry picks up a bit - its probably not worth it right now.
p.s. is 'base training' with an airline? or is it with the training organisation?