I think the advice to start pilot training now, is like the argument telling people to buy stock and fund shares now.
Some people will argue that the market is poor, and your best bet is to put your money in the bank. Others will reckon that what goes down must come up.
It's never a matter of when you start your training, or when you buy stock. It is at what time you finish -- or sell out -- that counts. But starting when things are bad -- prices are low -- will most likely give you a better possibility to get out while you are ahead.
When will the next pilot shortage be? When will the recession end? This summer? This year? Next year? Five years? Ten years? I don't know, I don't have a magic orb. Some chances you just have to take
FTR, personally I buy as much stock as I can afford now without borrowing, in good faith. I would not have a problem with my best friend starting flight training today.