I think its a good idea to raise minimums, but up until recently didn't most airlines hire with close to ATP mins? I think an artificial minimum in this case may not help as much as people would think. 1500 TT in a C-172 does not raise the bar to much, after all you can get a single engine ATP. The airlines could just convert that to ME ATP.

I have a hard time believing there is much difference in skill/experience between a 900 hour and 1500 pilot who has only flown 172's. Shouldn't it be quality not quantity.