They obviously can't be short of applicants if they are now requiring 20k up front for 777 rated guys.
Merely a reflection on a fairly significant number of cashed up but disenchanted experienced 777 guys from the ME.
Given that my license says 777/787 on it, I'd be telling them where to stick it for anything other than a differences course and a sim session or two.
Typically its the dateless and desperate who look at this as a means to remain in, or return to the UK, what other games in town are there for experienced people down south? JET poo?