Hello,
I've not posted here before, but I thought I would contribute my experiences. Like yourself, I have been tempted with the P2F schemes. It's especially tempting when you see ex coursemates sitting in the RH seat of a jet...buying a TR and time on type does work for some, but not all. I chose the FI route and I've not regretted it for a second. Yes the pay is rubbish, yes you get treated badly by (some) employers...but I actually love the flying I do - which judging by some posters on this site is quite a rare thing.
I work a second job so I avoid complete destitution and will probably take the first airline job which comes my way, but in the meantime I'm very happy to have my PIC hours tick over, have at least some income and more importantly become much better at what I do. I would be quite happy to continue down the instructor route as a career, but EASA has seen to that!