It won't change, it will evolve.
That evolution as has already been indicated, will vary by region and will depend very much on both global and regional economic factors. These things shouldn't be viewed too narrowly. For example growth in the Arabian gulf, will have a trickle down factor in other regions. Similarly contraction in Europe will have a negative impact on neighbouring local markets.
Recruitment will happen. To what extent, obviously depends on the previously mentioned factors. Recruitment is likely to be much more tailored than has historically been the case. Many companies now have little appetite for employing pilots on a year round basis when their own sales markets are seasonal. Future recruitment is therefore likely to involve a much larger element of part time and or seasonal contracts.
Prior to the current recession, and all through it, airline recruitment has focused into two distinct directions. One is the traditional "experienced, type rated and well qualified pilot." The other is the low experienced, affiliated, integrated cadet pilot." As far as the latter is concerned, there has (even through the recession,) been significant and targetted investment into the infrastructure required for a post recession expansion of this market.
Many airlines now see a significant cost benefit in utilizing these cadet schemes as part of their overall cost/risk strategy. These schemes are themselves closely tailored to the customer airlines operating philosophies, record keeping, and monitoring programmes. The training burden risk/costs are either heavilly or totally borne by the candidate. The entry salaries are priced at "apprentice" level. The candidates often come with a self financed bond thereby affording the customer airline additional protection. The "apprenticeships" are offered on an effective "sale or return" basis, and then often with the same part time or seasonal contracts that I mentioned earlier.
So if you want to stand any realistic chance of an airline first officers "apprenticeship" with only 250 hours, then this is the best option. In fact there is little new in the concept. It has been the case for decades, however post recession markets will see a rapid (and waiting) growth in this type of employment. It is expensive (for the pilot) and carries considerable financial risk.
Beyond that, there are the traditional "self improver" markets. These are crowded, significantly longer, often less expensive, risky, patchy, and usually require a much broader focus on the realities of the marketplace. In other words "don't hold your breath that airlines will look at you with 250 hours, because they won't!"
Paying £50,000 for one, or £100,000 for the other is going to guarantee you little or nothing. However each market sets it's own entry price. There is little merit in believing that joining the wrong queue won't matter. You need to know what you want and what you can afford before you start.
So if you can afford it, you pay your money and take your choice! The risk is significant if you are lucky. It is very high indeed if you are not. Most people are not!