Not everyone can even be a pilot, let alone an airline pilot. There are barriers to entry. What if when you started pilot training it cost 60-100,000 to just get your ratings and training?...oh wait...

The 1500hr rule is a dumb rule, no doubt. I'm for it, but only because of the direction it moves in. Airlines will only do what economically benefits them, and anything else has to be forced. It's not going to "ensure safety", nothing will. It will wash out a few more people that aren't as serious or that need more experience before they can perform at the levels required, but it won't ensure anything.

The whole idea that you should come to an airline with all sorts of airline time already is faulty, but it's what airlines and virtually ALL businesses want. It keeps costs way down. As more baby boomers retire and die, it's going to be hard though...