An airline (for this example, Ryanair, but could be any) rings up an applicant and offers them a place on a TR course, paid for by said applicant.
The applicant declines.
No problem, Ryanair ring the next applicant on the list. They accept. And so on.
However, imagine applicant number 2 declines. And applicant number 3. And 4. And 5. Etc Etc.
I have been led to believe this industry is very reactionary in its recruitment, and that when pilots are needed they are needed fast. How many people have to say no before Ryanair start paying for TR's? Or perhaps extending contracts. Oh, but wait, other airlines are experiencing similar reactions and therefore they are offering permanent contracts or better terms, so Ryanair has to follow suit.
Are they able to survive for 6 months/a year/ 2 years without new applicants? Or would they be struggling after a couple of weeks? Would the situation change remarkably quickly?
It would seem that the whole industry could be saved by a few no's perhaps? But how could everyone be persuaded to say no. Should be some sort of 'union' for that.