Philic,
'Well come on lets be serious here. Where are you honestly going to get 500hrs Multi pilot time before gaining employment with an airline? I can imagine some have done it but they will be in the minority'.
All over the world there are hundreds if not thousands of twin operators, you actually might have to leave the UK and really search for a job!
I did and thousands before and after me will, I don't think because it requires some effort and it is hard work that it should no longer be a requirement. In fact in my eyes someone who had the balls to go look and find a position in some way out place normally returns with good decision making and hand flying skills.