If you can afford it, definitely go for the AFI rating. Without at least 500 to 700 hours you're going to have to be very lucky to get an airline to look at you. They don't seem to mind whether the hours were in a 747 or a C152, or whether you even flew them or were there as an instructor. All they look at is the bottom line on your CV.
Failing that, do get some kind of job - preferably one that pays enough to let you do the odd hour at weekends. At least then your log will show recent flying.
Be prepared for a long wait - don't get too depressed.