fmgc - if you look at Jet2 they are doing just that - getting the right people they want , at the bases that they want - and are taking on ordinary cadets ( non Captains Taking Cash) , ground staff and turboprop people , and are to be highly commended for doing this . Granted , its only the experienced turboprop lot that are getting a good deal re £ + the rating , but as an airline they are certainly not waiting until all the type rated pilots have been employed - its quite a bold opening statement from you if i may say so !
Until recently MON would have done the same and got the right person in , now they're so skint after yet another family bailout , its just having the appropriate rating that gets you to the interview table - so "balanced approach" to recruitment ? , no way , not since the last Flybe fleecing about 5 years ago!