A combination of factors has caused the TFO numbers problem, including the ceasation of the reserve role and the fact that TFOs from units that have closed can't afford to travel the extra distance to the remaining units that have vacancies, also the new rosters will have put off some. Some units will have been operating with 1 + 7 so there's an instant shortfall.
It might help if the advertising for new TFOs makes the 'specialist pay' situation clearer. As we know, the military 'reward' flying duty with an additional allowance, which seems to attract and keep enough volunteers. Rather than attempt the impossible by asking for flying pay to retain and attract TFOs it would seem obvious to include them as specialists inside the pay structure that already exists with a bit of smoke and mirrors.....after all we're only talking about 200 salaries here.