Hi all,
Thank you for your responses. There's lots of unclear/out of date/contradictory information around and I've ended up tying myself up in knots trying to figure everything out so I appreciate you clearing up a few things.
Long Haul - I will take a look at the regionals and see if that route could be a better starting point. Thank you.
B2N2 - thank you for the link, that's very helpful. I've had a lot of contradicting advice on license requirements so that clears that up!
Button push - thankfully it's a real degree! I understand I'm not going to stand out in the US based solely on my flying experience but hopefully at least be able to hold my own against the other candidates.