Hey Duff that is another interesting twist! But is there any real difference between putting the slog in before commencing your training (and raising the funds) or getting a big loan and paying it off after your training? If ''Daddy'' has indulged you with your PPL gratis, versus the kid who has worked their ar5e off I know which I'd pick (NB I'm not a CFI or chief pilot).
The other thing that perhaps hasn't been discussed is the age thing. The earlier you get to CPL seems to be determined as the better, given the fact that you have more time early on. However, airlines want people who function as a member of a team, so where (or how) is the potential applicant expected to demonstrate their ability to cope with a range of stimuli (e.g. in an emergency event) or their ability to work with a range of personalities?