I would say do whatever your doing to keep building time. Eventually, something will open up and you can get your opportunity.

Now, I'm a strictly against any PFT programs, even though some can give you an experience you won't get elsewhere. Another thing, if you can get to 1200hrs TT, you are now opening yourself up for 135 work. I started flying 135 with 1400hrs, finished 20months later with 3400hrs. Times were better then, but there's still potential.

Just keep networking, if you have some spare cash, I would try to keep MEL current at least. That way if an opportunity arose, it could help you.

As far as the MEI, if you have a place that you know you can use it, or if you have the cash, and want it for future opportunities, get it. In my case, I never got it because I had no potential for using it, and it was going to cost too much for my earnings at the time.

There is no one path that is going to work, you just need to keep your eyes open for the one that will work for you.