Denti, such airline run programs have a very tough selection process, with only the most able candidates securing a place. Your comments fail to consider other avenues, whereby cadets self-fund their MPL course.
In the past such self-funded schemes only recruited the best candidates through arrangements with a variety of UK Airlines; this scheme guaranteed permanent employment after an initial 6 month probationary period. This agreement was funded by the HSBC providing un-secured loans which were paid back through a salary deduction with the airline over a number of years. This enabled any candidate, whatever his background, an opportunity to become an airline pilot, the sole selection criteria being ability.
Once my airline stopped offering permanent contracts to these entrants, HSBC stopped providing un-secured financing. Since that point I have witnessed a decline in the standard of these Cadets.
The current situation is now self-selecting based on the availability of money (self-funded); these candidates do not necessarily possess the ability or aptitude to the extent that they are still learning to fly when they arrive on these larger A/C types, rather than applying a learnt skill.