What many of those mainline pilots don't factor in is the utter stagnation and hopelessness of the regional ranks. You can't relate to it. When your time came to pay your dues the payoff was in sight. Now it's a mirage.
And one more rant, AA, UA have had pilots on furlough, double furlough in UA's case, for nearly 10 years. PAA recalled guys after
17 years, only to fold up their operation 5 years later. If you think 6 years as an F/O, even at $40K, "utter stagnation"; I'd submit you should recalibrate your concept of stagnation.
GF