G-STRX,
By no stretch of the imagination can you call me a GA / Armchair pilot.
I am an ex-airline jet training captain and formerly (until beginning of 2010)
an instructor on the Cabair CCAT sims. As it so happens I also hold FI, IRI, Night and of course STI ratings.
Four of us were laid-off due to the anticipated reduction in student numbers and lost money in that process. Life in aviation is not necessarily rosy, as you will find out when you eventually join an airline. Especially as a FO you may find it hard going!
One suggestion though: lose the attitude....... It is you who ******-up and you cannot blame Ppruners for that. Take it on the chin. Marketing is sometimes a dirty word! Your anger, although understandable, clouds your reasoning. You got suckered in. !!!! happens!
Nevertheless you do have my sympathies, as have your peers. Best wishes for the future and may you quickly earn back the monies somehow.
An old codger!