I don't think the plug will be blocked by a few MPL or CPL/IR students being taken into the company in well over a year from now. Sure as hell didn't back in 2006/7. As things pick up pilots will leave Flybe. Then the doors will have to re-open. Its just a matter of when. The CPL/IR does not include a TR. The MPL does....its part of getting a MPL license. Thus it's as near a sure thing of employment that it could be. more so than the CPl/IR. Plagues of locusts and the like permitting etc etc.
As for Ball gags and the like......had a recent nightstop in BKK have we??