The way I understand it: If you don't have to worry about age restrictions (I believe you need to be 23 for your ATP, although you can take the written whenever you are ready. As long as you are flying 121 the written stays current. If your aren't flying 121, it lasts for only six months) then it's all about PIC time. If you're going to have to wait for your ATP, you might as well get jet experience as you won't be able to upgrade without it. Some Regionals (Pinnacle, for one) have really quick upgrade times regardless of equipment.

As for the "blacklist", I have only been told that Mesa's on it.