angelorange, I can vouch for the fact that bmi is willing to chop self-sponsored cadets; I had a week of post-Christmas standby (and a full TV schedule) suddenly disappear because the cadet who was rostered for much of that week's flying was chopped!
Are these guys generally crap? Loads of money but no ability, hence they pay for line experience. I seem to remember the FO who hammered an A320 into the runway somewhere in Greece was a PTF guy. He had a history of having 'difficulties with the aircraft in the last 50 feet' or something along those lines. Thomas Cook (the PTF provider at this time) continued to let him fly and hey presto, grounded a/c in Greece requiring maintenance to the gear!
What kind of selection criteria do PTF guys go through besides an Experian Credit Check?