the point is that ever increasing numbers of people who want to pay to get to the front of the queue are changing the job completely.
Ever increasing numbers are required! The industry has trebled in size since 1990. Who are supposed to be crewing these aeroplanes? Even if the airlines were not (unreasonably) biased against experienced turboprop operators, there is a massive need for new blood.
Now, since the dawn of the industry little boys and girls have looked to the skies upon hearing the roar or aero-engines. Whilst back in 1960 or 1980 only a privileged few got the chance to follow in Daddy's footsteps, the opportunity is within the reach of many more youngsters.
Yes, it is very unfair that airlines are subsidising ticket prices with cuts to their training budgets, but to those keen to become commerical pilots in Europe there are almost no other options but to pay for a rating. But you cannot lay the blame at the feet of the new joiners. Given the choice, none of them would pay for a job.