Type rating in a UAL jet is completely unnecessary. Completely. I only had a CL-65 and SA227 type. Your friend is severely misinformed.

I would say jump from OO, and quickly. Get to a ULCC/LCC or competing major and keep applying for UAL if this is where you want to be!

And if I read correctly, you have a CJO from a major right now? If so, RUN to indoc! A major is where you want to be in the end, correct? If so, get to one ASAP. Keep applying to your dream carrier, but don't be in the regionals if/when the music stops. An almost universally good strategy is go to the first major that hires you, then figure out from there if musical chairs is worth it. And none of the majors require a type rating in their jets. It's not like they would put you in that jet anyway. It's all about what your seniority allows you to grab during indoc.