A4 times have changed. For what it's worth I did/am doing exactly that long winded route to the jet and have loved every bit! Can't recommend it enough and wouldn't change a thing! I'm probably a better aviator for it too. BUT... If a route like this existed (which it does) and you can get to the pointy end of a jet (which you can) and your apprenticeship is on a jet (which it is), but arguably still getting more money than an instructor (which you do) and more relevant experience and ultimately cutting down the time to a descent job.... Why wouldn't you?
To say people shouldn't take that opertunity is madness! You too would probably take the same one if times were different in your day. It is not the fault of people taking the jobs and if that is your fight you will never win.
BALPA and you people in the company with permanent jobs and descent contracts are the only ones with any power to fight. Don't ask the weakest to fight. That is never gonna work.
And fight I hope someone does!