Just to clarify my position, (why do I bother)
I say to everyone - use nepotism to your advantage. It works because they don't check your references. (at least they didn't check mine).
A few years back after I saw at least 6 new recruits in one hit who had family (mainly Fathers) getting jobs with the airline, I decided to do a John Davy and mention my "Uncle" who was a retired pilot for the company on my application form.
Hey presto it worked and wouldn't you know it I had a shiny new uniform before you could say "well it looks like we need another bail-out".
The second comment is only relaying information passed on from Training Captains and Sim Instructors (so I can't take credit for that).
But I guess now that you have to pay for your type rating (advert in NZ Herald) it will certainly, as Barbers Pole states "knock it on the head".
But, surely only kiddies with rich daddies (I mean Captains) will be able to afford this.
Sorry about the tardiness in my reply (I have been working).