Being an airline pilot must be of the only professional careers that is only accessible based on your ability to pay and nothing else like natural ability or desire.
I applied to the fully sponsored BA scheme in 2001 however 9/11 scuppered that for me. That is the type of scheme BA and others should be running opening the career up to everyone regardless of their or their families wealth or lack thereof. .
I believe that the industry can only suffer in the long run due to the trend for cadets to fully fund themselves. Imagine the same scenario for potential medical students etc. It can only be described as a disgrace and wholly unfair.