I second RG. The industry can be very flippant in it's approach to recruitment. Today's requirements may be just that, the goal posts move daily. eJ are alledgedly satisfying their requirement for Capts./SFO's to fill the command shortfall, and will recruit soon primarily for the RHS. With 2000+hrs though, I cannot understand why you don't get any look-ins with the regionals.
As for not being able to afford the ATP Academy - how much do you think it costs? It cost me absolutely nothing and gave me my first jet job.