I was selected for partial sponsorship with Cabair (pre Sept. 11th). At that time taking all factors into account I decided that the sponsorship was not for me.
What swung it for me were several things including amount of investment by me, loss of earnings from my current job, low wage whilst on the scheme and cost of living away from home for 3+ years (and leaving the partner to pay the mortgage). Being bonded for your IR training costs for 3 years was also a minus, plus the legal contract had a few clauses I was not happy about.
Cabair get a good deal and the students on the sponsored courses know this, but for those prepared to put up with this it is a good deal, you just have to position against doing it yourself, and for me it was just as cheap to go the self sponsored route.
It really comes down to how much you want to fly.
Regards,
STurns