Reading these sort of posts stirs up strong emotions in me. It grieves me to accept that such practices plague a job that was once regarded as the most noble profession.
I know of 250 hour type-rated guys who have passed a 'white envelope' under the table of various airlines' recruitment depts to score the RHS. 'Cos of 'em, the honest and more deserving lads out there have to sit it out on the bench...
On the brighter side, Merry Christmas to one and all!