C5,
you are not taking into account the full scope of training cost...not just the FNG, not just the time in the simulator.
How about hotels, per diem, that instructor that sits with you in the electronic trainer, how about that instructor that is exclusively yours during OE...all that is the cost of training.
I do see your point, but I think that going forward they may start relying more on mil guys, older former ACMI guys, vs the 30-year old RJ driver that does have apps out (whether he admits it to DB or not).