The ATP rule is beneficial, however I think the quality of time is more important than the quantity. 1500 hours in the pattern is worthless. When I was a regional Capt. I could tell the difference immediately with new hires. If they were a flight instructor I have to be the instructor on the line, if they had been with cape air, or another 135 with turboprop or jet experience flying REAL IFR it was obvious. I cannot imagine what it was like for a regional captain teaching EVERYTHING to a 250 hour wonder FO. AND I cannot imagine flying a regional jet around with only 250 hours. There was so much I did not and could not know at that point in my experience.