If the problem is the simulator why not to outsource a couple of batches of new joiners, there are some very good training companies where they can carry out some help, the same they outsource part of the assessment.
I can imagine that now on most of the FO off duty will switch off the phones, it's insane to call someone at that time.
About the recruitment freeze, when I did my interview at Southampton we were told that we were the last group of 2015, and that was in June, I am not sure if they have called anyone else after that, but I was very surprise to go Dubai and found myself as the only one that day doing the final step.
Does anyone know the current attrition rate?? I heard that is high, same in EK.