Recency for sure. But then, it seems Allegiant wants inexperienced FOs who won’t/can’t jump ship quickly to a legacy...dunno. Despite wanting the Allegiant lifestyle of no overnights and not interested in the legacies, you can’t even explain that case by going to the meet-the-chiefs or if your app is never pulled for interview. There is no pilot shortage lol.
I was out of the cockpit for 4 yrs, recently back as a regional CA since last year (ugh for sure), with the similar kinda time you have (even 737) and got the thanks try again in 6 months. No checkride busts, college grad, etc... But they’ll take a 24yr old 2k total no TPIC or no degree regional FO hands down. Good luck...and just keeping trying if that’s where you really want to be.
Yes, any regional will hire you even with the gap. Give it a try, UGH.