I completely agree with welliewanger. I have done a degree but will it really help? I suspect not. But it did cost me 3 years. Then again I wouldnt have wanted to finish flight school a year ago. So I'm in a good place now. I think the airlines care very little but the timing is the most important thing. Lets say you start at an FTO now, some would suggest you're in a better position than if you started 2 years ago.
Airlines are also very seniority based. Maturitys a good point. I think many peole take it for granted. But to be in charge or 2nd in charge of an airliner as young as 21, you're gonna need to be well ahead of the maturity drag curve!
Ford Cortina? That was useful! Personally I think anyone who posts something with that much useful content should blow up in a puff of smoke. Just an opinion.