Swept, this is a really interesting thread and I am glad you started it.
In aviation, the supply/demand and future planning has always appeared haphazard. I remember in the 80's, there was near panic as suddenly all the pilots had retired and they were taking on nearly anyone who had a passion for flying and paying for it. I find it difficult to understand how the powers that be had not planned for that.
Currently, there are 1000's of pilot jobs out there and I know this because all the companies advertising training courses keep telling me. What they don't say is that those positions are already filled!
With your experience and background, I would have thought it would have been a given that you would get a job with a major airline. That just goes to show how many others don't stand a chance.
Good luck with Plan A or maybe Plan B and do take a look at the CAA website as they do have some interesting work for ex-military pilots from time to time.
All the best and thank you for serving!