I think the cadet scheme is only taking about a dozen cadets a year, the majority of new joiners will be experienced, so don't worry, you'll still get your shot. At the moment, 4000 hours and a face that fits seems to be about the going rate.
I can't think of any other airline job that would be better in all honesty. 750 hours, decent if not class leading pay, a myriad of part time options and great people to fly with. The new boss seems to know what he's doing and has an airline background thankfully. The management need to prove themselves but, to be fair, early indications are pretty good in my opinion.
If Delta brings long term job security, which I believe it will, then I'm ok with the majority of flying being to the US.
Time to command is a while, at around 12 years, but the RHS isn't a bad place to be and I'd rather take a bit longer and be happy in the RHS than miserable in the left and trust me, there are a few of those jobs around.