I don't think anyone thinks there a problem getting a new hire through training on the ER. It is probably one of the easier planes to learn. The question is: "then what"?

As you probably know, international flying isn't fast-paced, and it isn't really difficult. It's mostly about procedures that are not related to flying the airplane. When you're doing it, you're not learning to be a Delta pilot, call-outs, large airplanes, etc. Those things are a prerequisite, but the opportunities to practice are limited. You're expected to have that background already. You're mostly focused on not getting a gross navigational error, or some sort of local infraction.

I think the problem some guys have is that the new hires they get haven't done a few laps on the 88 or 320, or 737, and the stuff that's supposed to be second-nature, just isn't there yet. I think that's all people (some people) are complaining about. Or maybe they're just ****ed because they had to wait seven years to do it, I don't know.

If I was new, I would not worry about any negative stereotype. Most of the guys in the left seat, and the other FO's, are real class acts. They are at the graduate-level in their respective seats, and graduate-level pilots know how to deal with all sorts of experience levels. They're going to make you feel right at home. All you need to keep in mind is that you're going to want to be all kinds of proficient at a) the basic "be a Delta pilot" stuff, AND b) be a pilot that confidently flies all over the place. It's a plane where you can hypothetically get a little lazy, and nobody likes a lazy anything, especially a lazy newhire.

If you get enough domestic flying, and you don't stop trying to learn, there is no reason you couldn't be as sharp as the guy flying four legs a day. Welcome aboard!