The rip-off machine
The problem is that the debate should have moved on the the next level (down). What I mean is, all the old arguments about people not paying for type-ratings, not signing up for sub-standard conditions, etc, are over. There is always somebody willing to pay and to work for nothing.
The sad reality is that the image and the expectations of a career in aviation are out of kilter with the reality. That feeds the pilot supply chain. Even worse, Ryanair have managed to find a method of making substantial sums of money from those who want a job.
Rumour has it that the price of a B737-800 Ryanair type rating will shortly be raised to 30,000. Remember, to get the type-rating only requires YOUR money. You get it with a limited contract and no guarantee of a job - delicately phrased. The next contract - line training - when it arrives, comes with no guarantee of a job either.
The money being made is now so substantial that it has become a business centre of significance. Ryanair will now continue to build up the pool of trainees "waiting for a slot" to move on until we have discussions here (like has happened before) about people waiting for a year in the hope of a possible opportunity for line training. They also have to find the money to renew their rating in the interim, including travel and accommodation in EMA.
Where does this end? It ends up with people who have big debts being unable to find any job at all for years. That prospect is not too far away. But you won't be able to warn any of them.