Congrats to you all who didn't have to pay for a type rating! Unfortunately going to Africa isn't an option for everybody, and where the experience might make a man out of you, does hundreds of hours on light aircraft really make you a great Jet pilot, if that is the ultimate goal?
In years goes by, old timers used to give out to pilots for paying for their own CPL training. Its considered a norm now, and whether we like it or not, in this climate, for low houred guys, a self funded type rating in some form or another, whether bonded or on reduced pay is the norm.
(Just my opinion - take it or leave it)