never give up!
Eric,
No way am I suggesting to throw in the towel. Keep fighting man, but there is no need to fight VA or JB (or their pilots). These folks are just like you, trying to earn a living while pursing the best career in the world.
As a matter of fact, there is a higher likelyhood that those companies will give you second look for a job. VA will hire thousands in the next three years. Most of the F/O's will come from the regional world.
The real fight is SCOPE, regional pay, and good contracts. Tell those so- called brothers at the legacies to pay attention to what is going on.