hard work
JT,
Hey, im an FO for a european airline based in the UK. In answer to your questions....
It doesnt matter who you apply to for a job, it is hard work to get into any airline, you will have to be prepared to get alot of rejections before you finally get a job.
with the AP, it all depends....normally most major airlines will want the AP to go in as soon as you can use it, for instance, in my airline, the AP is certified for use above 400ft and down to 50ft on the approach, or 200ft if doing a CAT II landing. If its a lovely sunny day and great visibilty, i will hand fly the plane to cruising altitude, but on bad weather days, you want the AP to be in from about 1000ft. this frees your mental capacity to cope with any failures.....flying the plane alone will take 50% of your capacity away...
I know this doesnt answer all your questions, but up against time to write, but i hope these little words of advice help.