To simply terminate the baby pilots' commissions after investing millions in their training is illogical and irresponsible, as was destroying the brand new, never used Nimrods. Babies thrown out with the bathwater!
A more sensible solution would perhaps be to complete the training of those approaching wings standard and then transfer them to the reserve. They would then form a pool of basic qualified officer pilots who could be brought back in if needed and willing the next time we have a shortage, as I am sure we will.