Like someone else has said. Hours is a minimum qualification to apply... it doesnt mean you will get hired. If you think you will be more qualified then the next guy with the same # of hours due to your experience then fantastic... thats what the interview is for and that is what you should stress during the conversation.

You might very well be more qualified and have better experiences but numbers mean absolutely nothing except for getting you to the interview. Once in the interview you need to explain how you will be an asset. You really dont want airlines to completely throw out hours requirements because then you will get every tom, dick, and harry crawling out of the woodwork... at least with this system you get guys who are willing to set a goal for themselves and acquire the minimum qualifications.

places like delta have lowered minimums then others due to their relationship with the military. Most majors have relatively low time requirements that can be met in a solid 3-4 yrs at a regional. I wouldnt want to see any lower minimums at majors because i think it does weed out a lot of the pople who dont really want to be there.