For now if you're dead set on a NWA company, I'd say go to Compass. They already have an established flow thru agreement (2 years as a captain and you can go to an opening at NWA), and are in growth mode. Since they are planning to have 8 deliveries this year (and 8 next year), if you can get on soon, odds are you will be able to upgrade in a short period (6 months or less), assuming you have the experience requirements (which it seems you do). Upgrade at Mesaba is over 6 years (almost 7) seniority right now.