IMHO, the “fast track” programs are good for some people. Just like different religions are good for different people. Sure, there are HUGE benefits to 1500 dual given in a 172, and the $500 hamburgers in the Duchess, but there are benefits to fast track programs as well. Like Jesrober said, some programs incorporate CFI training into the curriculum, while others gear all their training to regional employability. Both have their advantages.

Pilots coming out of some “fast tracks” have 100+ hours of glass jet experience like the DC-9 that Flying Ninja mentioned. While true, the actual type rating is meaningless, it’s the experience in a large, complex, and glass JET that makes all the difference. It’s simply easier to learn a jet when you’ve already been exposed one. Imagine how much of an advantage that pilot has over the 1500tt CFI whose hours are in that 172 with no jet experience what-so-ever. (Except for that one time his friend snuck him into a sim for a few hours) That “fast tracker” has the one up honestly. He’s been in the jet/crew environment before. In fact that’s all he knows. Airlines are excited about this type of training because he hasn’t had the time to develop bad habits, he is moldable, AND he has exactly the right type of training. He’s flown a jet, albeit in a simulator, and he’s been exposed to jet speeds and jet systems.

What he lacks, once at the regionals, is real experience. This is when he will “pay his dues” so to speak. He’ll be glued to the right seat for a minimum of four years before he is even ELIGIBLE for upgrade. While the 1500tt CFI upgrades whenever the seniority will allow. (at some regionals this can be 3-4 years, but not necessarily and not so much the case anymore) The CFI spent 4 years getting the “time” in a 172, so too will the fast tracker, just in a different airplane.
Fast track programs aren’t right for everyone, granted, but the have their advantages to both the airlines and the pilots alike. We shouldn’t be so quick to shut them down.