I'd agree with the 206/210 time for simply the reason of confidence when you're asked to go for a fly. I only had 3 hours in a 206 when I headed off but at least I wasn't going in blind. This was also the first time I had ever been in a cessna so it helped from that regard too.
The road trip up the coast sounds like a good idea too. Never know what you'll find.
Network well and that may help your cause too, but some time in these newly classed heavy singles is a good idea.
(and to think I accepted a wake turbulence waiver all these years without knowing!)
