There's always gonna be discussions about the importance of PIC time. Like someone previously mentioned, those with it think it's important and those without don't think it's important.

I agree with what was previously said in that a lot of getting the call to interview depends on who you know. While many places don't have a TPIC requirement, I have to believe the folks getting hired without it probably know someone like a family member in management which is probably why it's not a requirement.

Also, like someone said before, it's a good insurance policy. When I was a new hire at my current regional, I flew with quite a few furloughed guys who didn't have the TPIC to apply to other more desirable jobs such as Southwest, Fedex, etc. because of the lack of TPIC time. Many of them bypassed recall to get 1000 TPIC before returning. With the supposed impending pilot shortage coming up, it's your gamble to take going some place without TPIC time. If you really feel the likelihood of getting furloughed isn't there, then take the gamble and go if you get called.

Aside from everything else mentioned in previous posts, I will say that I learned more in my first 200 hours as a Captain than my 4000+ hours as an FO. I also found that flying with furloughed guys as my FOs was very enjoyable. I attribute that to the fact that they know what my job is like because they've been there before so they know how to make my job easier. If the opportunity presents itself, take advantage of it because you'll learn a lot and it'll make you a better FO wherever you ultimately end up. Just my .02.