Not disregarding at all and you make a valid point for that is very valuable experience. The stupidity of it all is that I can get the additional needed time flying 51 mile legs, not crossing any weather systems, (with out stopping, yes I knew this thanks Da Magic) to meet the requirement. How that makes me some how "more qualified" is beyond me. If I can pass the written, which I already have and pass the check ride which at this time I can't take because of the asinine 500 hour rule, Issue the damn certificate, I flew to the PTS. This stuff really isn't that hard...And in reality all this ATP crap will do is push people who otherwise would be excellent pilots into other fields because of the additional investment of time and money for a job that's gonna pay you $23,00.00 your first year.....D