I think there's some confusion about what is now on offer to cadet entrants and DE pilots. The cadets will get the deal as seen with BALPA. DE applicant will get the NEC which means if you have over 2500 factored hours you will start as SFO. As for hours on type vs over overall aviation experience, it's subjective but, in my experience the standard of training has the biggest impact. That affects an individuals ability to handle an aircraft and how to process information. Also, those who have passed a training syllabus which has a pass/fail ethos rather than a "keep trying/keep paying" one will produce a higher percentage of desirable pilots.
So 1500 pilots in the mix, which two of you do I need to beat for a job? Haha