Yes, according to rumours, Qatar Airways wants to first take over/employ/kick people out of the pool(see shaggy330 - although I dont know whether he ever was "in the pool") before they hire non type rated direct entries. Makes at least sense to take that 500 people that are assessed, interviewed and security checked before inviting new ones.
My guess, if the pool is empty (if it ever will) they are going to open the fleet restriction upon application again.