To play devil's advocate, in the past many companies including RAH required new hires to pay for their own training. The training contract came about as a way to not force a new hire to do this while avoiding being abused by pilots who come just to get a type rating or get current and then leave after becoming more marketable.

The 170 type provided has value and has allowed several FO's to be hired without any PIC time. I would say your assertion that a mass exodus would lead to them doing away with the contract is exactly the opposite. If there becomes a lot of guys leaving before the end, they will start enforcing the contract in earnest to nip it.

For the record I've known guys to leave without hearing a word and I've seen some guys leave and be sent letters from the attorneys. I have no idea what the difference was. But I wouldn't sign it expecting that they'll let it go, as they don't always.

You also left out one other possibility that I've seen them use, sending the contract to a collections company and causing you the inability to secure credit for a house or other major purchases until its satisfied.

I happen to agree that a man's word is his honor. I don't like the contract. But I don't think staying two years after them spending $40,000+ on my training is too much to ask. So when I signed it, I put the possibility of leaving out of my mind for two years. If you can't handle that commitment, take a 145 or Q slot or go somewhere else.

They won't drop it because too many are leaving. They'll drop it when it impedes their ability to recruit, as they did for 145 and Q positions.