I did some work experence with flybe ops at exeter last year. (end of 2009) Flybe recruitment told me they get over 300 pilots applying to them every month.
Yes the person is correct about the Isle of Man with a low amount of pilots. The reason for this is because this is 1 of 2 places where you do your line training with them after getting a TR at flight safety international at farnbourgh airport.
After doing your line training with flybe you can be posted else where which most pilot chose to do. I think but could be wrong its 300 hrs line training on a q400.
basically pilots come and go from the isle of man, thats why there is always a shortage. The ops recruitment can choose at any time to recuit more pilots.