I think the point that is trying to be made here is that a CPL/IR and basic hours and paperwork isn't really "airline pilot" qualification, it is "apprentice" or "cadet" level opportunity at best.
Generally and historically this type of opportunity and the appropriate and variable entry levels, would have sought a minimum experience of 2000 hours and significant turbine experience.
A few people seem to forget that "cadet" level entry is a whole different ball game. Part of the reason such schemes exist, is that they are cost effective for the companies who operate them. They are intended to be apprenticeship level opportunities.
Ask a junior lawyer or barrister if they lived "hand to mouth" during their apprenticeship during the early years, and you will likely get a similar response. Many of them are probably worse off than the cleaners their firms employ as well.
If you expect established rates of remuneration, then the airline would expect established rates of experience and time served. Many of these opportunities may remunerate very badly in comparison to their own and other established salary scales, but the reasons need to be understood.
Take the individual who is flying an airliner full time, building his experience, having his medicals and annual licence renewals carried out, and being on the road to a (hopefully) full time career. Compare that with the similar individual who hasn't got the same opportunity. Whose licenses have lapsed, who cannot afford to renew them. Whose learned skills are perishing with neglect. Who isn't buliding any experience at all, and is seeing that same investment disappear down the toilet.
These entry level cadet opportunities may be very difficult for the first couple of years, but they are opportunities. Discard them as you wish, but take careful stock of just how rare these opportunities are, and what the options are realistically likely to be.