I just retired out of Kingsville, flying the Goshawk, though I was a mainly an intermediate IP being a former COD driver. You will build flight time down here, you will get 1000 hours in three years (I was a wing guy and got 675 hours in 2 years and I flew less than the squadron guys), barring being med down, personal issues, etc. In addition, being a Harrier guy, if you want to become an air to air guy, you will. But be careful what you wish for, once you are a BFM guy, you stay one. Three BFM hops a day gets rough to be rough on the body and spirit I hear.
I am employed with a Regional right now (AWAC) and if it weren't for my retirement pay, I would not go the Regional route at all. I don't blame you about worrying about the pay cut as the money is awful. It's almost an insult for experienced pilots (I mean both civilian and military) but it is what it is.