I'm still not sure that ATP isn't a viable way ahead folks.
ATP is offering 'Training' not employment. It would appear they have secured some high quality training partners to this end. IMhO both BMI and EZY will provide a wonderful basis of training for any FATPL. To this end, I feel their intregrity is as yet unblemished.
The shape of the industry has changed. Many airlines are looking for 'turn key' solutions to piloting, (not ultra capable long term employes to 'bring on' over 2 decades). I have no doubt how capable many of the wannabes are, but fear that most will never get a commercial job to exercise their talents and passion. Often airlines seem to have a short shelf life so expensive and lengthy training of new crews is probably unattractive.
If agency crewing ( flexicrew etc ) becomes the norm, it will become quite usual to require a minimum of 500hrs on type to be considered employable. These contract crews can offer competitive solutions in a harsh market.
I'm not sure that we will ever see a return to 'the good old days'.