Why not follow the natural progression then, rather than try to short circuit the system? You're already on contract, punt for a type rating onto the next level. As for them not bonding and expecting you to be rated, that's utter crap. The market will dictate these things and at the moment it seems to favour the crews. Enough movement at the top (as is already happening) and they'll have to start bonding people to retain their services.
This has been discussed ad nauseum on here and elsewhere. Just do a search...