Sorry that I can't answer all your questions. What I do know is EWR is Continental's junior base, and is also Express Jet's junior base. So EWR is looking good. Upgrade at Express Jet appears to be 2 years (According to Airline Pilot Central). P.S. You are more than qualified for Express Jet, and you make the minimums for Continental.
There are some Express Jet and Continental pilots who will be able to help you further.
Hope this helps