I think we're getting glommed off on the minimums vice being competitive.

The way I see it:

Assumptions: 4 yr degree, starting at age 22 with a comm/inst ticket and about 300hrs, goal is FedEx, Cathay DEFO, UPS, CAL.....

Track 1: CFI'd in college, about 700 C152 PIC at graduation. Kept working as a CFI @ 500hrs/yr, including small amounts of MEI. You'll hit the minimums in 4 years. How long to be competitive for the goal airlines? You have the times, but short of sleeping with a chief/check pilot's dughter, are you going to get the call?

Track 2: Went to a regional at 22. 850 hrs/yr, make capt in 4 years (give or take, but an avg). Two years later you have 1700 turbine 121 PIC (not a requirement, but relevant experience. And if you're smart your network included folks there that can help (like fly lines with commuting FedEx guys that jumpseat in your jet). Are you going to get the call?

Track 3: ROTC pays for college...get released from the military in 10 years with 3000TT and 1500 PIC and a kick a$$ network??

As I see it, track 1 is never going the get the call, unless they go to a regional/135 op to get relevant experience, meet some folks and are able to compete against Mr Track #2.... and he/she's got a 4 year head start......

So, it all depends on where you want to be, the fastest way to get there....