The endless whinging about how wonderful the old ways were, the insinuation that anyone that pays is somehow less of a pilot than someone who didn't buy their rating is both a ridiculous notion [there are both good and bad pilots that can and cannot afford a rating]
Unfortunately as there is little selection in the majority of self 'sponsored' (why is it never just 'bought'?) training, be it CPL, MCC or TR, there will always be that insinuation. Many who favour buying a TR to jump ahead often make the argument that you still have to pass the exams, however getting your CPL or TR is merely a case of meeting the minimum requirements. Being selected and sponsored means that out of all the applicants, you were in the top XX%.