It indeed would only be a guess for anyone. But alot of things are being undone in the airline world with pilots being laid off, pilots having to bond into airlines in countries where they otherwise wouldn't consider in a million years, pilots having to work on a contract basis, unpaid leave, paying to work - It has all changed forever and it would take a global strike to change it. The effect is to make surplus pilots, with plenty of experience, willing to take something rather than nothing on a time to time basis. That in turn makes the road to becoming an ACTUAL airline pilot a VERY uncertain, unpredictable and hugely risky one. As an opinion and not proclaimed fact, I would recommend not training for a good few years.
Taking advice from people who too want to train to be a pilot is also risky - Emotion can really cloud ones judgement, it does in everything, from pilot training to women/ men. You guys should look into what confirmation bias actually is on the internet, just type define:confirmation bias - And see if you can how the basis of your opinions and responses are in there a little.
With regards to getting a PPL and having to pay for it twice, that is not the case, there is the ability to do a shorter course and have money reimbursed. And the opportunity cost of doing it that way is worth it......IN MY OPINION.