I agree with all the above, I guess it's swings and roundabouts! It also depends on personal circumstances whether this is an appropriate route.
For me, this is the only way to access the funding and I am not in any huge rush to get in the left seat - of course I want to get there but I have time on my side. Another thing to remember is, if successful, you are starting on long haul which is often the end goal for airline pilots.
(I say 'often' - this is a massive generalisation based on no fact at all, just an impression!)