To the OP-

Not trying to be negative, but if you truly believe that all the stars will align and scope will not be relaxed, mainline capacity will not be reduced, carveouts will not be adopted, and mainline pay will not only maintain, but also adjust for inflation and at extremely top heavy levels... well maybe you are the one with your head in the sand.

There will be a shortage, but it will not be of qualified applicants, it will be of applicants at jobs that more experienced pilots are not willing to take, i.e. RJ FO positions.

Airline pilots are taken advantage of because they fall in love with taking flight. You won't meet an accountant that heads to Wall Street for pleasure on his days off like an airline pilot heads to Sun n' Fun on his vacation.

Call me cynical