Had. I had the "training experience" after the merge. PC, LOFT, recurrent.
It was still 9E training style. XJ also had AQP, which is now gone as well.

As for a "critical shortage" of airline pilots, I don't think we'll see that. If it comes down to it, they'll just start hiring guys outta ERAU or UND rather than waive the degree. Plenty of guys on the street, in the military, flying freight, flying corporate or mired in the regionals for the majors. Even then, there's no guarantee the number of jobs at the majors won't either shrink or stay the same. Bigger airplanes or less frequency means that. So do mergers and code shares. Productivity language in contracts also has an impact.