Nor a puppy-mill IFR training program which forbids instrument training flights in actual IMC...for safety reasons

A wet commercial is like a 16 year old with a new driver's license...you don't give him a job driving a schoolbus or a tractor trailer, you give him a beater with a 4-banger and airbags.

As someone who flew with MAPD grad captains, I can definitely see the point of the 1500 rule.

It used to take 1500-2500 with some turbine time to even get considered by a regional. This rule is just a reaction to some sectors of the industry exercising poor judgement in hiring practices.

As others have said, 1500 is no big deal, two years as a CFI and you'll have some fun too.