Oddly enough, Raw Data, you have made my point for me exactly, in a 'round about sort of way.
If there is/was a shortage of new pilots, then FR certainly would not be able to charge the fees they do for applications, etc.
All any aircarrier need do is slightly lower their entry requirements, and....presto, "shortage" gone.
The CV's that cross my desk are, on average, the following:
Captains; age 50, 12,000 hours+
F/O's: age 38, 5,200 hours
F/E's: age 55, 17,000 hours
All F/E's have lots of prior experience on the equipment.
All Captains and F/O's have either experience on the equipment or at least 1000 hours in wide-body jet aircraft.
All of our guys will be sent to GS/sim at company expense, on full pay and allowances, from day one.
That is how you attract dedicated aircrew.
Oh yes, forgot to mention, all salaries are tax free (60 hour guarantee), 42 days on, 14 days off (days off away from domicle) with business class airfare paid.