Shirley,
Good man. Well said. I'm B scale but I'd have taken what you did in a heartbeat for the same reasons you did. I dare say EVERYBODY would have. It's every man for himself here.
Although I agree that previous experience in small aeroplanes is invaluable. It's not what is sensible career wise/financially when CX offers what they did in the way of free training etc.
Get your FO job and keep your eyes open for a better deal. I know you will.