It's very simple really. If you take a job that pays pathetically in order to get experience you screw yourself for the rest of your career. This is because once you have the experience and apply for the better job, they know they only have to pay you a little more and you will be happy. This continues through your whole career
Probably not so. Most larger companies have a common joining pay scale pay scale. It would not be practical to pay each pilot a different rate depending on your hours.
Having a bit of experience might just be the key to being accepted.