I personally think that how you conduct yourself in an interview and how you fly the sim profile is FAR more important that gee...what did you fly?

I flew 1900's and 3000 hours of hand flying sure helped ace the sim ride. My friends that went to the jet that were sitting on reserve flying 300 hours a year gave the same reason as your friends. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING is to have the minimum flight time to even apply...so get it. 1500 hours PIC is a must!!! If you don't have interviews lined up then go upgrade to something bigger and you will be more senior to hold a descent line. The 1900 is a great plane (FOR SOME PEOPLE) to get PIC experience. I know MANY that went from flying the 1900 to flying at FedEX, Southwest, Alsaska, United, and Delta.