What I don't understand is this quality vs. quantity argument...if Babbit argues that this is all about the training; why do we have minimums for Private, commercial, ATP etc certificates. Why did the FAA at one time believe it was necessary for an ATP applicant to have all those hours for the certificate? What is magical about 1500 hours?

Sounds to me the lobbyists took some guys out for steak, lobster and strippers.