Well VFE you have a choice, sit on your principles or get a job. The pay will quickly refund your costs. Why does everyone see this as yet another tilt at the 'prestige and standing' of pilots? Everything is so personal, I think you'll find that Mr O Leary et al have more important matters in mind than the fragile ego's of pilots. They are running the business, and if they can weed out serious applications in this way and meet their targets then they will do so.