As far as the pipeline, I think the restricted ATP vs unrestricted ATP mins will have a large impact. Having a four-year degree expands your career options for time-building significantly because it makes instructing a viable option.

Not having the four-year degree takes the XC requirement to 500 hours, which takes FOREVER to attain as a CFI. I've been instructing for over a year and have built about 30 hours crosscountry. Most students finish their commercial with around 100 XC. Obviously instructing all the way to 500 just isn't practical, forcing folks who didn't go the university or military route to find non-121 jobs that involve cross country flying somehow.

So there are two broad paths developing in the civilian world, dependent on whether you meet restricted ATP mins or not. One includes instruction as a viable option, one does not.