Well, recency of flight time is considered, but quality of recent flight time is more important. If you've passed a 121 ground school (ever), you're good to go. If you haven't, like me, they'll tell you to pass a 121 school elsewhere and come back...most likely. I was told that I was vouched for by 2 interviewers (pilots) and one recruiter (also a pilot) but even then my lack of a 121 ground school passed was enough to postpone my offer.

That said, I didn't settle for no. I spoke with a few people and was eventually signed off on. I was told to prep as hard as I can for sim, as I have proven to be able to learn systems no problem based on my past 141 ground school for the CRJ 200. I'm beyond grateful that I was able to speak to my passion for this industry and be considered after all.

Side note: I did the internet video interview with Mesa for the hell of it. There is ABSOLUTELY NO technical portion. I was told immediately that there would only be HR questions. 7 minutes later I was asked which jet I wanted to fly. Seriously.

Mesa DOES have training contracts now. They sent my "new hire" packet with PDF's and two of them were for ATP-CTP and ground school. $5000 prorated over 3 years for ATP-CTP and $12,780 over 1 year for their ground school. What a ****ing joke.

Edit: I understand their need for training contracts since they're now the go-to for a free type rating. That makes sense. I just hate to see them perpetuating what has kept me out of commercial aviation for over 7 years. *sigh*