On a related note Expat F/O's being allowed on Indian carriers by the DGCA. So far it was on a case by case basis but now it seems its carte blanche. Instead of putting a green Indian CPL through the lengthy and expensive training process you have type rated guys meeting the short term demand. It's going to be interesting to see the job market after this decision.
This charging for a TR and guaranteeing hrs sets a very dangerous precedent in the industry. It looks like we are going to eventually go the EU way where these kinds of arrangements are the norm. Sad sad sad. Putting flying out of the reach of the common man.
Despite the perceived market conditions these airlines seem to have us by the balls (sorry gals).