Kathey,
"Latest rumour is that ALL the DEFO'S has failed or left before finishing the initial course"
Where did you hear this rumour from?
Seems a bit far fetched that ALL the candidates who went through the rigorous screening process, and had more than 3000 Hrs on a multi engine jet... and.... type rated... and... current some how managed to fail a type rating / conversion course? Otherwise what is the point of the interview and sim check??
It just doesn't add up, unless there were only one or two people on the course, even then it would be unlikely.