Easier than a 172
I have hundreds of hours in a C208 and would say that it's easier to fly than a 172. Much more stable and easier to land in a cross wind. No shock cooling problems when descending at idle and no leaning of mixture to worry about.
As for FO time on it I'm not sure if it is worth it. It may beef up you TT in the log book but don't think the JAA will recognise the hours for unfreezing of your atpl.
How much is this programme?