8 total new hires have reached the rosters... I read on here that another class is this monday but no way to tell how many are supposed to be there OR how many will actually show up.

If you mean seniority, then yes you'll be at the bottom of the list even if you start Monday. All depends if they continue to hire after you. There's really no "for sure" answer except that the earlier you get a #, the more senior you are to the people after you.

Well.... a smart move compared to what? I don't know your background but if you've got a good job, then stay. If you don't like your job, then move on. Like I said, the sooner the better if you want seniority... but how far this "wave" goes is anyone's guess. Unfortunately that's your gamble.

To start, yes people are being sent to HI. Read my last post here. But the point I really, really want to you to get is to please not be naive when it comes to "what the company says". Regardless what they say or don't say, imply or whatever, they're not obligated to follow through whatsoever. Liars? Maybe, and in my experience frequently. But unless it's written down in a binding agreement they will do what they please. Including sending you wherever there is a vacancy. I hope you get what you want, I really do, but regardless what they say.... they wont back it up SO don't count on it.

To each their own, I won't blame anyone for coming here, but I would just like to hear someone who is applying answer "Why Mesa?" There are better regionals out there accepting applications. "Better" may be subjective but the facts are that our pay (FOs), benefits, contract (in general) is dated and sub-standard. I want that to change as much as the next guy, but today it is what it is. The old days of the Mesa quick upgrade are the old days. I don't see any redeeming factors here other than our crews.