The current requirement to have 1500 hours is overboard. I and many of my peers started flying 4 engine piston aircraft with very little time. I had 500 hours, some of which was P51 (that was Parker 51). We all flew with patient Captains that enco8uraged us. Many would only let us use the autopilot at cruise altitude. None of us
had any problems and I feel 750 or 1000 hours would be plenty. Especially with the new simulators and airline training programs used today.
I agree with those that say hand fling to and from altitude is something that should be encouraged.