$8,200 for the private course?. Ouch, did this include any fancy extras like a Boise X headset?. Seems like you could have done the same course for $5995 and even that seems a tad high.
http://www.flyoft.com/private_pilot.php
The training and courses can be done for less than ATP's and for less than what you have paid thus far, the above is merely one example of many. I would suggest doing some research and comparing the costs before you give a flight school like ATP that much money. Don't let me stop you, if you are that determined to go there then by all means take that route.
The smaller flight schools can offer reduced rates and for the most part are cheaper, substantially cheaper in my opinion due to lower overhead costs, small size of the operation, the setup, etc, etc. I don't personally have the time to compare one school to another school but if cost is not a concern then by all means disregard my previous post and response.
85 hours of cross country flying you can do at ATP would give you lots of experience with weather and flying in the IFR system.
85 hours of flying city to city is not the answer to obtaining the "experience" which really only comes over a period of time. That statement would be like comparing single pilot IFR night freight in the northeast to flying this 85 hours will build the same amount of experience. Two different worlds my friend and I am sure as you advance you will soon see that.
Take things you read on this board with a grain of salt, opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has one.
good luck in whatever you decide to do
You may want to look into the Mesa Airlines Pilot Development Program (MAPD) if your goal is to get to the airlines, even this 19 month program is cheaper (or was) and most all successful applicants upon completion of this program are hired on by Mesa to fly the CRJ700/900, EMB145, or Dash8. The program works, do a board search, I have attributed much to the subject over the past few years.