Originally Posted by
sidestep
What woodwork? Do you think there are a bunch of pilots with 1500 hours who are 'on the fence' about becoming an airline pilot? I highly doubt it.
50-60k/yr may entice more people to get into the profession, but with the barrier to entry (1500hrs) being much higher now - it will be a long while before you see any effect from such a raise.
I know of quite a few people that would go to the regionals if pay was $50-60k starting out. There are plenty of qualified folks out there, just not willing to do it for what is being offered.