I going to put my two cents in, actually I am begging you to be safe.
I fly a widebody for a decent cargo company but this is the same advice I have always given to someone that was about to upgrade. It takes a lot more courage to call dispatch and say " I would love to do the flight, but I don't think our op specs, FAR's the mel or whatever the case may be allows it and I don't feel safe." This is usually followed by some veiled threat, intimidation or something to make you question your judgment. It takes a whole lot more courage to be a courteous profesional and stand your ground than get pushed into something you dont feel comfortable with. But once you learn how to respectfully stand up, you will have a whole lot more respect from your fellow pilots and yourself.
Please be safe, follow the rules, and be proud that you don't take chances.
This is not meant as a criticism, just an acknowledgment of how hard it is to always do the right thing.
Fly safe, Good health and good luck.