Pretty sure this was the brainchild of a VP who was also a quota hire at a legacy. The G7 pilots will have over twice the number of hours than this VP did when hired by that legacy. I'd guess that's how it was rationalized.
Two benefits to the company:
1. Negotiating power. The pilots don't want it. What will we give the company for them to terminate the program?
2. Cost savings. JB floats a loan to new student...about $100k. Student has money taken our of paycheck when they start...so instead of making $50k/yr they make $40k/yr. If they leave before loan is paid they owe the balance in full. A small interest rate would apply.
Gateway 7. Brought to you by an under-qualified quota-hire. Because experience doesn't really matter.
JB had over 3000 applications during the last application window. Yet they find it necessary to grab someone with absolutely no experience whatsoever. Mind boggling.