...All very valid points. Additionally, I believe the almighty power of the $ speaks when it comes to experience. INSURANCE. Many companies (corporate, charter, cargo and airline segments of the industry) set their minimums according to what their insurance companies advise. In the corporate world where I fly, I know a pilot with an ATP is about 30% cheaper to insure than a pilot with, say, only 1000 hours.

I can only imagine the insurance costs for companies whose new-hires average less than 1,000 total time. Big-time $. Higher time = less $ to insure. Lower time = more $ to insure.

The mighty $ speaks volumes ladies and gentlemen.