As a five year FO (NOT by choice), I agree with Jetlink.
Am I still NOT a professional pilot because my company hasn't afforded me any upgrade opportunity?? Even though I met the minimum requirments to upgrade when I was first hired (which is 3,000 hours by the way)???
Or, does it mean that the little punk whose airline stole our flying by contract and who got to upgrade right at 1500 hours IS a professional???
If you think flying in a SIM makes someone more professional than actual line flying, then YOU need perspective!