Max,
As a slight ray of hope....although it is not an official source: A good friend of mine who is a VERY senior Brits Skipper thinks that when recruitment begins, you guys in the pool will be in first. This is the way they have done things in the past.
That is good news for you lot. After all you are the ones who were first in. However, he may be wrong , it is only his opinion.
Things are looking up, keep searching and remember Brits are not the only airline. A bird in the hand etc.....
Good Luck.