As a company we recruit pilots. As Head of Training I review and test the applicants. Not sure how that an be construed as being an ego issue.......
One of the characteristics we look for in potential pilots is an ability to follow the rules not look for curves on a straight road. It might not suit some people to accept that the rules are there but we have to live with them.
If someone has a job that allows them tomwork towards the issue of an ATPL then they are on the ladder. The rest of what makes them employable comes from the experience they gain on the ladder. Counting microlight hours in a MC environment is a waste of time. Showing a little patience and acceptance of the way things works shows a much mature and conforming attitude of the the actually needed in the cockpit. Trying to find a short cut just makes me wary about what other corners they are prepared to cut to get what they want......