Command experience always wins. No matter if you are just starting out or looking for an upgrade, the bottom line to an employer is command time. There are numerous examples of colleagues who have opt for the F/O, heavy equipment higher money route...and..at the end of the day, when the company has gone bankrupt...they have been standing in line wishing they too, had taken the Captain position on the 737.
Nothing beats having to make the decisions. If you do your job correctly, the pay that you lost earlier, will be made up in extra pay from command on the heavier equipment later.
All the best in your future endeavours.