As you state you had to wait your time to get into the left seat. But at least you knew it was coming eventually. That's a whole lot difference to waiting your time in many airlines nowadays, where you can't even be certain they'll be around in 3 years.
Wouldn't someone who payed less money for training (the traditional path) have to wait even longer than you for the same job? It seems the shorter - more expensive path put you ahead of the others, true, but does not guarantee anything. The aviation business environment affects everyone involved, the fact that you have a loan coming due shouldn't entitle you to eject an older pilot also fighting to survive in the same environment.