The X-C flights that 61 requires prior to the IFR rating are a great learning experience and confidence builder for a low time pilot. I believe that's a good thing, though some will find it a waste of time and money.

People should focus on being a good, well rounded, pilot, when they approach flight training. Not focus on being an "airline pilot". Airline pilots are simply regular pilots who fly for an airline.

You might think you're gonna be an airline pilot at 800tt, but what if you end up hauling river rafters off of dirt strips in the Grand Canyon in a 207 with no GPS?

That's where you'll be glad you had a little more X-C experience and focused on good stick and rudder fundamentals. 61 or 141, I'd implore you not blow anything off because, "I'm going to be an airline pilot".