This thread seems familiar. I asked the same questions when holding a brand new CPL at the end of last century and received the exact same replies. My response... joined the Air Force and had command of a shiny, but rather old 4 engined bomber before I knew it!
My mate, same position, same questions, same responses. He chose the ICUS route. Not too long after that was lucky enough to be picked up by the red rat. He has a 747 and A380 endo- downside is that he has not taken off, landed or flown an approach in an aircraft that is above Mother Earth by more than a hydraulic jack in almost ten years.
It's just a job now for him, progression is stagnant and he had to ride it out. Me...made the jump, large aircraft command, instructing and looking at flying a shiny new big aircraft that I can actually takeoff and land. In the end take a leap and do what seems right for you. But don't quit when it gets tough.