The market doesn't determine a pilots value in some areas of aviation. A lot of companies pay pilots crap because they know they are a "stepping stone" to a better aviation job. Making pilots pay for type ratings is not free market. Being able to find a company that isn't complete crap, and pays pilots for what they are worth, and pays for training is free market.
Unfortunately, there are those that say they will fly commercial jobs for free to build hours, or will pay their way into a job with a type rating or training. Hell, there are idiots that PAY to sit in the right seat and collect SIC time just to call themselves an airline pilot. It is pure insanity.