There is another route now that I would expect to become more popular.
You can get an IR(R) after 25 hours post PPL. You can then use your hour building to fly IFR hours which count both towards the 100 hour CPL requirement and the CBIR. All this can be done before the ATPL's as well as the MEP leaving only a 15 hour CBIR course to do after the last exam. You may need more than 15 hours but it is still better than the 55 hour course.
The CPL is then reduced by 10 hours as you have an IR.