If free ab intio programs were put into place I don’t think there would ever be an end to it. The cost of flight training is the main barrier for potential applicants. I was reading something recently about how 50% of the US population makes less than $27,000 a year. We also have a population of 325 million with 100 million of that out of the workforce. They changed the way they calculate the unemployment numbers back in the 90s to only reflect those that are currently collecting unemployment benefits. I didn’t used to think this way but I believe there are tons of people out there in not so good situations that would gladly get in line to be an airline pilot as long as it doesn’t cost them anything.