Yes, that is true, but more often than now more awards are awarded than planned. They can do that as well.
What they are trying to avoid is a long training foot print with a six month conversion. My guess is, if this happens, they positions will be on the next AE, giving them the ability to draw the conversions out to a time where simulators are open.
Frankly, I see this way as more inefficient and benefiting the pilots more than the company. It is hard to sharp shoot staffing with this type of bid.