No, admitedly I didn't pay for my ATP.

But, when I was first hired at a regional I had 1283 total hours and 205 multi-engine, plus my ATP written done. If waiting another 217 hours to get on with an airline would have meant better pay I would have gladly flight instructed/flew charter a few extra months and paid a few hundred bucks for an ATP check ride.

Long term I think ATPs to get hired part-121 is a good idea.