Unexplained lateral moves look horrible on an application (OO to CP in less than a year would be an unexplained lateral move). Pilot A spends 8 years at 1 carrier, then applies to <insert name of legacy carrier here> vs pilot B who has jumped between 2 or 3 regional chasing the quick upgrade and the nicer equipment. Pilot A will always be chosen over pilot B.

I understand why people want to jump from Pinnacle, but going to another regional in the interim would only maximize your career exposure to regional first year pay. If you have a guaranteed job at CP, what's the rush?

With JetBlue, UAL, USAir, and American hiring right around the corner, I'd focus my energy on getting a job with them...not another regional. I don't think PIC time is as big of a deal as it once was, however, if it still is, I'd stay put. If things are as bad as everyone says, your CAs will go to the legacies soon, and you'll upgrade.