The GAPAN survey makes interesting reading, but, and I think this is the crux of it, it appears to ask what the airlines want not necessarily what they will accept .
The majority of jet operators will take F/Os over the age of 30. (just read the numerous threads on these pages over the years)
They would also like their low hours candidates to have a JOC course before they start with them. Reality is that very few have done one.
They also say they want degree level education. Plenty of them accept pilots with a lot less.
So my advice is, if you are 18-20yrs old considering a flying career take on board all that GAPAN says and you won't go far wrong. If you're older and don't have everything they suggest, don't panic, there is still hope..............................
I would be interested to hear from Morning Glory which airline wants you to have done MCC on a jet sim? I personally can't see the advantage as handling was no part of the course when I did it.....................
I would say do the mcc as cheaply as possible ( because I know of no airline that requires a 'jet' mcc - Morning Glory?) and if you save a grand or so by doing this and you get to sim ride stage with a jet operator, do your homework and rent an hour or two on a similar sim and get some one-on-one handling practice and instruction........worked for me. Alternatively if you are ace to base as a pilot, just pocket the saving and have a holiday!
PP