Piston Twin, I think you're right on the money with some of your remarks. Likewise Apache, I don't discount your comments either. If there are some operators out there who will always think that instructing time counts for zilch - so be it. I've got better things to do than go on a crusade, trying to convert everyone's attitudes. It is my own attitude which will determine my success in this industry, not others. However, I will say this for instructing: When you are charged with the responsibility of teaching someone else to safely pilot an airplane, you must be on your best behaviour at all times - as any bad habits you demonstrate are certainly bound to be picked up by your student. As such, I know more Instructors who focus on precision flying techniques than charter pilots (who sometimes tend to get a bit lazy in certain aspects of their flying). And that's not to say they're bad pilots either; they just focus on other aspects of their operation, and sometimes exactness isn't at the top of their priority list.
Okay, I know my previous comment is a generalisation. There are good and bad instructors, just as there are good and bad charter pilots. The final cut is based on the individual's attitude towards their profession and how hard they are prepared to push themselves to be the best they can be. If you've got what it takes, you'll eventually get the job you want. If you don't, well it won't make one iota of difference how many hours or endorsements you've got.