Thanks guys - that's really (really) useful.
Here's a (somewhat) theoretical question: which would have me in a better position in mid 2015:
1/ Stay here, get command, get 1000h PIC (which takes 2.5yrs), and be in a better position to apply directly to the majors in mid 2015.
OR
2/ Join a regional now and work up from there.
Also, a completely separate question: what about LCC's? same story?