Go with the second, more traditional, route. I have 4 friends that went with the ATP program...only one is on with an airline now. The other 3 are stuck at ATP teaching cuz they can't get through an interview process. Granted they are going for the regionals with more stringent hiring procedures. They're knowledge is poor and they lack decision making. They did not have a good foundation back when it counted at the private pilot level. They were taught bad habits, bad procedures, and misinformation from CFIs who were taught the same. Now they pass them on to their students.

The one who is with an airline started out making $15/hr as a first year FO. Not much money when you're so far in debt. He could upgrade after about a year however he won't have ATP mins, let alone Captain mins. I don't know that I'd want to upgrade in a year anyways. I've got 2100 hours and I've done the 121 thing. I was able to see I'd like to FO for well over a year to accept CA resonsibilities.

I'll get called over to the ATP office by my friend so a few of the CFI's there can sit around and throw questions and scenarios at me for insight from someone with a little real world experience. They don't have anyone else to look to except checkride examiners. I sure hope they don't ask the examiners some of the things they ask me. There may be a few 709 rides in order.

I went through 121 training with a zero to hero, pay for CRJ training, type and he busted a sim session cause he couldn't hold. He almost failed his aircraft training 2 weeks later because ATC through him a curve ball on an ILS vector. Things are too standardized at those pay for training places.

I never knew what to think of pilot ticket factories until the last couple years. I am a firm believer in the traditional route for reasons that are too numerous to list.

Stay true to aviation. Stay traditional.