You'll never get "a big check" for your bank, but if you are smart, you'll fill up your bank to the 60hr. max while you are a F/O, then bid Capt. and take it out, at Capt. rates. The Bow Wave simply allowed you to drop future flying and cover it with the bow wave. You got paid 75 per month, no more.

We rarely worked more than 12 days a month, (3 x 4 day trips or 4 x 3 days) that's about all it took to get to 75, and there was zero incentive to go over that, as you were not going to get paid more, just a bow wave or bank. Now we have guys trying to fly 85-90, how many jobs do you think that has cost? That's one of the chief contributors to Stagnation today. You want more Stagnation? Just keep parking trips to get up to 95-110 hours. For every 4 guys in your category who pick up an extra 20, that's one less pilot needed in category, or a 20% manning reduction.