Have any of these guys actually upgraded yet?

Yes. I know a few that were hired in the 1998 time frame that have been captains for years now. They simply carried the previously posted endorsement for about 18 months and were not allowed out of the country. Simple enough.

When I upgraded at Air Wisconsin last summer, I had 128 hours of PIC in my logbook. There was some kind of limitation on my certificate at first, but was rapidly removed. Also, I could not fly to Canada at first.

Also, when I upgraded I had almost 4000 hours total time and about 3700 SIC. I now have about 560 hours of PIC.

Well that doesn't sound so bad. Plus, one would assume that with 4000 hours you'd be a competent pilot, PIC or not.

I did not. I was part of a European Ab Initio program back in the 90s and was hired over there with 260 hours total time and just over 100 hours of PIC. It happens. Never instructed or flew cancelled checks or any of that usual stuff.

I am beyond competent! Superman comes to mind! :D

Now don't get me started on Europe.

Why not? I lived there for about 15 years and think they basically do a pretty good job. Not better, not worse. Different. Different place with different needs. Getting my JAA certificates was NOT easy and the large airlines are extremely selective.

Anyway, not trying to pick an argument. I was just commenting on how it is possible to upgrade in the US with low PIC time, which I had. I still don't have very much.....

We are talking 121 airlines here. Unless your airline has a SPECIFIC policy which allows the SIC to "perform the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a pilot in command" you are not going to be able to use this clause.

Some airlines have programs to accomplish this, but if your company doesn't you can't just go declare yourself the "acting PIC".

Only if you meet the ICAO requirements...otherwise your FAA ATP will have a restriction on it.

This is nothing new or obscure...every large jet regional in the US has this issue.