If I remember correctly, the minimum requirement of 4000TT is there since 2003. Before I think it was 2500TT.
I am sure you can find FO's with a few thousand hours who are more than able to to the job, are willing to come here and wait a few years longer to get their upgrade. If they have spent most of their time in a "glass cockpit", I don't see any reason not to let them try the interview.
We have FO's now that have a few hundred hours sitting in the right seat, and they can do the job.
Rgds,
Twieke