The FAA still require 1,000TT from those that have gone through pre approved programmes. These are mainly 4 year degree courses. The only other exception to the 1,500TT requirement is ex-mil guys who are allowed into the flight deck with 750TT. I think that is easily justified by the standard of training they have received and the hoops they have had to jump through to even have the chance to fly a military aircraft.
It is vital to the survival of our profession in Europe, in particular the UK, that we get rid of pay to play flying. CTC cadets are undoubtedly declining in quality. I have first hand experience of this.
Too many good pilots are being overlooked in order to put these guys in the right seat. Many are capable, but many others have no business being in the right seat of a 156 seat jet.