Lots of part 135 ops have the same FAA exemption for their OpSpecs. Anyhow, have you tried the US Regionals? Have you tried Silver Airways? They operate the B1900, and if you had your ATP, you could be a street captain there. What about Dynamic Aviation? Who else have you checked out?
So you still did P2F and now you try to justify it. Not to be a jerk, but you´re not the only one to "lose time" overseas on Uncle Sam's time. At one point, I counted up orders and I had spent more time TDY than at home station. But if you really feel that what you did was best for you, then I guess I can´t fault you for looking out for numero uno.