Okay, here's the problem... I wouldnt "pay out of pocket" to have an ATP just to get hired at a regional making 23k a year. I have well above ATP mins and I dont agree with this. I do agree with having 1500tt as the norm just to get a call back for an interview.
I think the focus needs to be on fatigue, crew rest quarters and reasonable commute limitations ie, if you're commuting from coast to coast you must be at your domicile 24hrs in advance. This is where proper crew rest quarters can and should be used. I've yet to be in a crew room where at least one pilot wasn't sleeping on a couch. Just my .02