Not that it relates to this thread but ALL FAA checkrides are free except the cost to get the plane there or other odd fees. The DPE's are the ones that charge you. HOWEVER, if it takes you 3 times to pass that FAA ride due to the questions are restrictions they hold you too at the FSDO then the plane will end up costing you the same. Usually the only rides taken with FAA are the CFI or CFII due to the required scheduling of these before going with DPE. Another thing, 141 rides are NOT free. They may be included in tuition
(That 80K you spent), but someone is paying. At the 141 school I taught at they were taken out of your loan.

On another subject, MAPD , are not always looked down upon, but I have NEVER heard of them being placed on a pedestal thats for sure. Remember that the biggest problem pilots have with them is that they are willing to work for less. I think at least 60 or 70% would drop the gripes if you MAPD types would push for a higher wage.
The trouble here is that a 300 hour guy just can't push for this because he really doesn't have any power to push for it. I mean what options does he really have if the airline says go ****** yourself when he asks for a reasonable wage. The mngmt also knows that these types took their training agreements in the first place because they are the type that like to take shortcuts. These are the best targets for scabs the mngmt can find.

XtremeF150