MasterOfPuppets, I'm one of the 844/2172/1437. You will NOT be looked down on or considered a scab by any of us.
If you look at all of the airlines, United has the highest percentage of retirees over the next decade. We have more than 3% of the combined list retiring every year for more than a decade. If you can get on the leading edge of hiring this cycle, I think that you will have a great career. Keep in mind that I've been labeled as an Eeyore on this website for being negative.
Best of luck to you.