Reinstate CDL - or just get a new one?

So, this is a stupid question. I'm sure I already know the answer, but I'm also sure that I don't always see every aspect of every thing - so I want to use a lifeline and ask the audience.

Here's the situation: I got my CDL in 2009 and drove for about a year. Came out of the truck due to family issues. Those issues no longer exist, but I haven't driven since then. I moved to another state and went to get my license changed over, however my medical card had expired and I ended up getting a regular license. DMV made a note on my file that I had a CDL and could reinstate it by getting a new medical card and paying the difference in license fees (CDL vs. class C) as long as I do it before my class C expires.

There's nothing wrong with my CDL. No tickets, no violations, no DUIs, no CSA points - nothing. I just need to get a new medical card, pay $90 to the DMV for the difference in fees for the type of license, and then I'll have my CDL back. Nothing has changes in my background, I don't drink or use drugs of any kind, I've had no new accidents or events on either license - absolutely nothing has changed other than needing a new medical card.

So, I'm planning on going back to driving OTR (I prefer OTR) in the next couple of months but obviously have no recent experience. And since I have only about a year previous experience, I'm virtually a new driver. In looking at companies, it seems that many will hire recent grads, some will hire me if I go through a refresher (which costs almost as much as the initial school in some cases) and no one will hire me unless I either do a refresher or am a recent grad.

My goal is to get back in a truck and drive it til the wheels fall off. I'm not concerned about home time, have no interest in truck stops (other than fuel and a shower) - I just want to drive as much as possible and build up experience and a record of safe miles for at least one year, at which time my options will expand dramatically.

So, here's the question: Since there are more companies that will hire a recent grad than there (seemingly) are that will hire a refresher, should I just go through another school and get a new CDL - making myself a recent grad? Or should I simply reinstate my CDL and go with a refresher somewhere?

Again, I'm sure I should just reinstate my CDL and choose from fewer options, but I'd like the input from those of you with more experience and what is probably a more objective, better educated view.

Thanks in advance for any insight.