Back in the old days airlines would recruit a mixture of experience and new cadets, now it just seems that they only hire new cadets with little hours and the money to pay for a type rating. I agree that all the existing pilots who bought their type ratings should be given a contract, it is only fair, but it would be nice if they opened up recruitment to more experienced crew. I am an example of many, 4000hrs plus with a main airline and now would be a great time to step up to an airbus, but alas, experience means nothing.
Regards