This argument seems to be going round in circles as far as I can see. The views seem to be very polarised, which is understandable. The solution is simple, to me at least.
If you can't afford, or otherwise object to paying for a 737 type rating then you don't have to apply for it: just apply for jobs that don't require you to bring that level of training with you to the job. If you have the money or otherwise approve of the Ts&Cs being offered go for it.
But for goodness sake stop wingeing all day about how hard done by if you are not willing to join the scheme. There are other ways to get into the industry.
For the record I have no wish to add another 25k commitment to my mortgage and other financial obligations, and for that reason haven't applied for an ainterview with Astraeus thus far. Having seen, however, that they may take some non-type rated guys I am now off to Hamrahs' web site to aapply for a right seat in a blue and white 737
