FB - How true.
There is no sensible progressive path through the industry anymore, and the evolution of the P4TR culture (regardless of experience) in the few years since I trained is unbelievable. Unless you are happy to pay each time you want to 'progress up the career ladder', you aren't going to get very far, bar a few exceptions.
Eastern were one of the airlines that appealed to me when I walked away with my shiny blue book, but even they leave a bitter taste in the mouth now. To pay £13k for the type rating and then pay a further £20k plus a few years down the line when you move on is just crazy.
The initial cost might be worth it if it was a one off expense that gave people a start in the industry, allowing them to use the experience gained to move on in the future at no further cost. Alas that is no longer the case and it's pay all the way.