John Smith is correct in his post above. P2F is not more or less unsafe than any other career stream when comparing similar quality Ops and training depts.
The only relevant point for discussion is the effect that p2f (and again this includes the latter day version of the "over priced course under paid initial salary" pairing) - has had and is having on the industry as a whole
For sure in the British Isles the recruitment on jet fleets in the last decade has been unprecedented. There has been a huge recruitment onto huge expanding jet fleets. Yet using a wider view, the industry shows evidence of "career stagnation" and lowering terms and conditions whilst requiring a general increase in duty.
Jump onto a jet fleet at one of the locos. It is hard work, lifestyle affecting hard work. 4 sector days on one of the loco enhanced rosters, once the novelty has been sated and the feel for a move on to somewhere better with more of a work life balance, where are you going to jump to and how?
The need for cadets is essential for any industry, however the current high percentage cadet recruitment in the bulk of the industry, certainly the British Isles, is damaging the industry as a whole. Not from a safety perspective. But from just about every other employment and career perspective
There are winners. Unfortunately its not those at the pointy end.
in addition to that, some of the figures bandied about for the "linked courses" are a huge investment for a short term career