I use to think the same way when I was an f/o. The problem with your theory is that you're willing to trade growth for anything (please see gojets), but you don't take into account the possibility that even with growth the list can still stagnate and you would be left to work under a ****ty contract. Upgrade on the crj side is close to 7 years as you mentioned, and even if the lists were integrated today; you'd still have fences and other protections. You're also making the assumption that upgrading will guarantee you a job at a major shortly thereafter, another rookie mistake, look at the past 10 years in this industry. It's in the best interest of all to have a leading contract, profitability is up to management.