Agree with most of your points. It is still an elistist industry, and the types entering it are generally:
1. Ex Military
2. Funded by rich family
3. Late 20s/early 30s who worked and saved
4. Sponsored
5. Massive loan (not many of these around anymore)
6. A combination of the above
There will never be a shortage of inexperienced Pilots as there will always be plenty of people trying to get into this industry. No one has a natural right and everyone faces the same problems year on year. For that reason, there will never be an easy route into the industry, so to get in you'll need to fall into one of the above.
I do find it interesting that some people decide they want to fly for a living before they have completed the PPL, sometime even before they have done a single flight.
If like most you are looking at option 3 or 5, I agree with the last post. Don't fall into the overpriced trap, pick good schools and go modular and you should shave at least £20k off the cost.