From what I hear you need 3000 + hrs, with jet time to be "competitive" for a SO slot. For DEFO I believe we are talking 5-6000 hrs and lots of jet time, preferably jet PIC. I know a guy who went from left seat mini-bus for right seat A340, he´s got 10k hrs with mini-bus and heavy jet PIC.
I have applied for over 6 years now, ~5500 hrs, 1500 tp PIC, 2400 airbus, ticked the "DEFO only" box last time I updated - Not a single word so far. Have to admit that I have not called them a single time, neither have I sent email to anyone to try to get my application looked at...