When hiring resumes....
I don't think that they will get rid of the DEFO program. The experience level of SO's seems to vary widely. Cadets to fighter pilots have joined as SO's. When I went through, one person had 2000 of single engine time - very smart guy, and he did great in training. But in the past they recruited pilots with heavy time to jump into the right seat. I can't see them changing course that dramatically. There are still a lot of aircraft on order that need seats filled. Hang on until then.