Hi Boiler,
When i met with AirTran at the June 03' job fair in Atlanta, I had approx 10,500 hrs TT, typed in the 767/757, was a former F/E chk airman, pilot supervisor, but I did not have 500 hrs of Part 121 PIC time. When i handed them my resume they said......
"Go get a Beech 1900 job and build time, and when you finally upgrade and get 500 hrs PIC, then call us and we will look at you. "
Not to slam the TRS guys, but I can attest to the scenario you described.
I wonder if my chances are better now, since I'm a Riddle grad ???