Yep, this ol' timer remembers the early 80s.... plenty of type-rated and experienced candidates scratching around..lots of ex-mil and wannabees too.
One day I was out door-knocking with CVs... and happened to be in a Chief-Pilot's office 15 minutes after he'd received a resignation.
Following Monday Aztec course, then Navajo, KingAir, Citation and 125..all in 11 months! It CAN be done... if you refuse to give in! Good Luck to you all. bm