Surley the best strategy is to get rated and buy a minimum of 500hrs Line Training.
Without this how will anyone compete with the folks already in the game. All that remains is a impressive 'Blue Beer Mat' of a licence.
The truth is it would appear that 500hrs on type will allow an application to most positions. Sad though it is, the wannabes hand is forced.
I do not believe that there remains any employment stigma associated with paying for these initial 500 hours. These schemes have become the norm, why else would EZY, BMI etc be willing to engage with them?
Pay up and get some hours, or write off your losses and dream no more!