Madjock,
I totally agree with you..flying a turboprop before a jet should be a prerequisite for airlines..
I can not thank enough the few years I spent flying SA227 and Be1900 without A/P and single pilot.
Soon on a 737 deck,I often think and worry about keeping skills sharp,manual flying that is,how long will my skills stay at a sufficient level flying automated aircrafts?after a 2 year break i doubt I would feel confident in going back to the flying i did before..but flying turboprops gives you the essential "stick and rudder" know how..
Yes flying a nice shiny jet is appealing,moneywise and some glamour maybe??but the fun and experience in a turboprop? i believe it to be essential..but is that too much of an American way to climb the ladders??
Safe flying,
M.85