UP or OUT. This is what appears to be the path these days. The regional level should never be, nor should have ever been, the end career level. It is a path. Anyone who gets too comfortable there should be nervous. Life will become increasingly more painful to endure and ever less rewarding.

Is it not clear now what corporate is "saying" with these contracts?

Good news for the young and eager; bad news for the lifers...wherever you intended to hang your hat. UP or OUT.