Selection is a MUST for the MPL! Carefully selected cadets will undoubtedly be a better option for airlines than some self-funded CRM-nightmare egotist.
However, the MPL must balance core skill acquisition, decision making and airmanship against commercial expedience. I think that solo time is really essential, as is some 'real' asymmetric time on a light twin. But hours and hours of grinding around NDBs at some middle-English aerodrome in a Seneca? No - totally irrlevant and that's where early exposure to the simulator environment wins.
Personally I think that the minimum 'real aircraft' time before starting multi-pilot training should be the VFR CPL with ME Class Rating and UK IMC Rating.