..except I as a recruiter for a 'proper' airline won't even look sideways at a QF S/O or VA Crz FO.
I'd humbly suggest you have no idea!!! Most QF 2nd officers come from the background you are talking about. Some have jet time already, many are from regionals and there is the odd Wing Commander or F18 pilot thrown in the mix. If I was an airline I would look seriously at any second officer as I know the Australian Industry is alot different to the rest of the world and that it takes much hard work just to be in a position to get into an airline.