The MPL certainly doesn't ignore the basic flying skills (you don't go straight from ground simulator into jets for example), but rather uses multi-crew simulation techniques to develop intermediate skill sets after a common basic skill foundation.

MPLs are still quite new so I will reserve judgement on them for now - however with the limited sample size that I have been exposed to, there has been measurably better CRM performance from new FOs with MPLs than from the equivalent hour FOs with the traditional CPL/IR. Whether this divergence continues as experience builds needs to be seen.

The MPL is pretty much mainstream in Europe now and I expect to see its popularity grow in North America as well. It will probably be the only way to get around the looming airline pilot shortage that is inevitable due to the increased FAA minimum hour requirements for airlines.