Mungo,
I am afraid you are mistaken.
I was fortunate to help a young pilot onto the (A320) ladder not long ago. He is now two years into flying with a very major UK airline and started with about 250 hrs.
Easily the best 'cadet' I have ever seen and doing very well. I expect he will be A330 soon.
By the way, I was flying very fast aircraft at very low level and dropping bombs and stuff with about those hours.
It's all about training and selection.