I'm actually quite interested in hearing about cheaper options you clearly seem to know about better than anyone else here...
Is it ideal? No
Is it great? Hell no
Can you find better right now except for RYR or Aer Lingus? No
Grab those three answers, see it as an investment and go for it. As of right now EasyJet offers you one of the most solid careers in europe, 5 or less years to upgrade and a decent salary once you're flying on line.
It is far from being the best thing ever, I would prefer not to pay a single cent after my course, but we have to learn how to adapt to the times we live in. If you wanna try your luck for less money, go to Susi Air for example. Turbine time will help you after a couple years in there, if you wanna go straight to an A320 on the 21st century, there is a price tag.