I emailed easyJet directly to ask them about underwriting. They pretty much take the same line as L3 - exceptional candidates over all parts of selection. However, they did say that a limited number of guarantees are still available. Are there any accounts of anyone being offered this? I'm skeptical that it's not much more than a way to draw attention to the programme and the school.
Still mulling over whether to go through it all again only to be denied my place due to financing.
Tempted to join as cabin crew in the hopes that one day it might get me a chance of getting a guarantee from the airline. Otherwise, might continue developing myself in the career I'm currently and see what opportunities come up in future.
I'm almost a solo glider pilot now too, so that would be another feather in my bow in future.