I just tried to apply with less than the published mins for multi time. I have the total time but I was short of the multi and the online system would not let me complete the application. It told me to update my profile once I had obtained 100 hours of multi. As far as total time though, they do use the word "preferred" next to the 1000 hours. My guess is that they will talk to you with less than 1000TT but not less than 100 Multi or 100 Inst.

If you are close, it won't hurt to start an online application on their website.