Wise words AMEX. For many who already posses a licence and still after a few years with no joy, the current situation just seems to be another nail in the coffin. Of course many will not give up hope so easily. However how long will it be before "low hours" are considered for employment when there are so many more experience pilots available?!
One of the key points you mention is keeping up skills and flying. The instructor route doesnt seem so viable right now if schools are seeing a reduction in PPL/trial lessons.