I'm mainly talking about the current climate, not that of the 80's when the training system was probably a bit quicker to complete!
With a money-making company in charge of FJ AFT who only get paid when they produce students (notwithstanding the effect that can have on quality...) and not instructors - I do not see this problem alleviating any time soon!
Agree, IF you get sponsored by the right individual things can change very quickly - unfortunately, IMHO, this can lead to some (not all, I admit) people being picked up who show the right face to the right person at the right time. Can lead to friction with those of a similar generation who have just done their job well without seeking the attention of the senior officers. I'm sure not much has changed here however!
Anyway, apologies for the slight divergence off topic - valid things for a university graduate to be aware of before joining (not that this would have changed anything for me personally).