Hours flown does not automatically equal experience, skill or aptitude. I would much rather see DY implement some sort of selection process and hire MPL students, than continue to randomly hire "experienced" pilots based upon nothing but gossip, hearsay and a 15-20 min chat. I have flown with ex Sterling MPL and TFHS "low timers", and they are in no way inferior to the other "experienced" guys. Just because you have a CPL and a couple of thousand hours, does not mean that you have the abilities to become a good pilot. The RNoAF does not put randomly chosen individuals in their F-16s.
I suspect that DY will put their TRTO to good use this year, and that Tromsų graduates will (hopefully) fill the classes; hence the new requirements
As for the alleged 4.500 applicants, I'd say that's just plain BS. Probably loads of double and triple entries and a whole lotta non-qualified guys and gals...