Seems to be a mix of circumstance MJ,
I know some of the people your talking about who have got jobs which is great to see finally but I was also having a pint on Sat with a 2500hr FI who has had to take a job outside of flying as he could no longer afford to survie.
Been a couple gone that way of late, the airlines may be finally taking some out of the system but the usual poor T&C's and lack of flying for FI's right now is probably taking just as many.
Still lots of fresh FI's coming through the system though and I know 2 more local chaps doing the course right now.
PM me if you want the goss....
Regards
UA