There is a little too much resentment for low time guys getting oppurtunity to fly jets at any level. I agree with getting the CFI and instructing before the regionals. As far as time qualifying you to fly a jet, you might as well toss that idea right out the window.

I was one of the lower time guys in my class when i got hired last year (500 & 200), but on IOE my instructor did not have to take the controls at all, and I was told that I flew the CRJ like an experienced crew member, no lie. Now this is not to toot my own horn here, this is just to prove the point that time means little compared to the quality of that time, proper preparation, and a little wit.