The airlines are trying to contol the economics of our profession. As a capitalist, I can't blame them. As a pilot, I'm angry. While I don't think there will be a pilot shortage anytime soon, by allowing lower standard pilots access to the cockpit it seriously offsets the law of SUPPLY AND DEMAND. We pilots stand to gain a lot by a shortage in the form of pay and benefits. If we allow there to be lower standards in a time of low supply, we'll be totally hosed. I urge everybody to take a good look at Multi-Crew Licences to see the future if we allow this to happen. It takes the power out of our hands. Trust me when I say this, but if the airlines were at all concerned with a shortage, they'd offer more pay. And one more thing, if there is this big shortage of workers for the future, why is it I haven't heard of a lawyer shortage?
THERE WILL NEVER BE A SHORTAGE OF WELL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS FOR WELL PAYING JOBS.