Plucka there is no doubt you are right. 185 time can be golden especially around here. We dont have any Porters here but a number of other operators do and some of them start the new guys on the 185 for a few hours before progressing to the porter.
For us, with or without a safety pilot providing the pilot is left seat and actually doing the flying then we have no issue with that. It would certainly become obvious during their check flight if they have the stick and rudder skills.
For us and many operators the money spent on an initial multi rating would be much better spent on the 185 and some quality hours, mostly circuits.
Upgrade the SEIFR to a multi IFR at a later time when your actually getting paid. I cant think of many operators that will hire a 200 hours newbie straight into a multi..
Bob is right in regards to real world decision making skills but that's something we train them for.
Just my 2 cents worth though..
Andy