to they guys saying they got a free type rating....
you are in a very extreme minority in this climate.
I would be surprised if you got it recently, and amazed if you are on same wages as those who did not get a free one!!
If you are on big money and free type rating then you are extremely lucky as name to me one place thats offering that package?!!?
I heard of a guy in our company who is starting his 5th (totally free with no salary reduction) type rating in as many years.