"you’ll never be a captain on an ultra long haul airline".
I can give you an example:
- Basic training U.K. Self-improver (modular) age 17, CPL/IR 21.
- PPL Instructor for two years
- First airline job at 23; F/O 50 seat turbo-prop UK operator.
- Type-rating on 70-100 seat jet at 25. Same operator.
- Command at 26 - same operator but back to the prop fleet.
- Moved to large U.K. charter operator at 28. F/O Airbus 320/330.
- Age 31 moved to fastest expanding and largest carrier in UAE. F/O LH.
- A330/340 Command with same 'ultra long haul airline' at 37.
So a consitent and progressive career path so far which I would say is fairly typical of many guy's I know and it's taken 20 years. Flying the turbo-prop was great fun in both seats and charter was good for the experience but if you want a bit more in the way of pay and lifestyle LH has much to offer with the right company.
Good luck but, as said, be realistic. Despite a lot of research you appear to lack an understanding of the mechanics of airline seniority which hopefully posters here can help you with. Personally, and with the market beginning to turn around, I'd go integrated (fastest) which would include MCC, plan for a good type-rating and (despite dispising the principal behind the scheme) look towards pay-to-fly as a means of securing the first job before reaching 40.