carb.....I think we'll just have to disagree on this one. I was only using football as an analogy.
My point is simply that in any occupation where demand for jobs outstrips supply, there is always going to be an element of discrimination or extreme competition.
The point is, with sponsorship its the airline's money, so they can basically do what they like.
If however, you come to them for an interview as a qualified ATPL/IR, they'll be using a wider set of criteria. I can assure you, I've flown with all shapes and sizes, gender and race.