'who_cares' too true about the jet rating costs but I think when one gets to that level of flying that's it, there is not further to go other than perhaps a sideways shift & a couple of years bonding (if that's the case) goes quickly when you believe yr at the end of the line. At the regional level these days it appears to not be a life long career move for most hence if you can get out of the bond legally & move on as in this particular case then some will try.
Mr Clarke won in the eyes of the law, but as we all know sh1t sticks in the aviation business big time & it's like being on an Island, there's nowhere to hide.
WMk2