was that MAJOR european airline BA, by any chance?
Thay have somewhat different priorities when selecting candidates for sponsorship than other airlines - people DO get accepted for sponsorship who have PPLS/UAS experience but they have usually got a lot else to offer and are a pretty sharp bunch.
Don't delay getting your PPL ir doing some leisure flying if you can afford it just because one or two blokes were told that their rejection was to do with their PPL 'bad habits'.
Besides, there are several other airlines in the UK who sponsor and for whom a PPL or demonstratable interest in flying is a distinct advantage.
Do some research, look around a bit - don't be one of those who thinks because they didn't get sponsored by BA their flying career is over!