Yep, some years back talking to a friend he said that his job was to weed out the Hornet pilots from the fighter pilots.
Also consider that more than just a CPL is required to get a job.
Having lived in the USA with contacts in aviation there I'd consider training in the USA - cost of a nominal 250 hr course providing twin IFR too plus travel and accommodation is an interesting comparison. Wouldn't contemplate it without getting advice from someone I trusted who was familiar with the school (that comment applies generally).