Sandman2,

$10,000 is chump change to what you will earn at any major carrier. If the carrier where you want to work has the requirement, go get it. If it doesn’t don’t. (Frankly I would get it any way, looks good on the resume and the carriers you interview with which don’t require it know you can always interview with those that do)

I am sort of surprised that you even have to ask the question. This is the golden ($$$) age for commercial airline pilots. I am sorry I have only a few years to enjoy it. Good luck.