So, if you're thinking long term, wouldn't second year+ pay matter the most?

When I am in a US Air express crew room I hear two pilot groups ****ing and moaning - PDT and PSA. PDT'ers seem to p & m about sitting around for 6+ hours with no hotel, being junior manned left and right because they are short of FO's (because they are all leaving for Republic), and PSA is upset because they have crappy schedules with little credit.

I personally, would not choose either of those companies. PDT could close LGA in a heartbeat - in fact Chautauqua is already reducing its flying out of LGA.

You may not like to hear this - but NYC isn't a great place for a regional FO to live, unless you can live room & board free with your parents. But then I'd still reconsider.

I'd go for Pinnacle or similar company, move to a cheap base, and save your money. Blowing it all at an expensive base just isn't worth it. I know a 1st year Pinnacle FO that bought a house in Memphis. Not too bad for a QOL.