This thread is accurate. We deserve the consequences of our decisions. Most regional applicants make poor decisions. There are some regional airlines that do pay adequately. Not great, but adequate.

As a group, we're always trying to chase the quick upgrade, or some sort of shortcut. Using upgrade time as a metric to select a regional is completely idiotic. What are the odds that the current crop of companies will all exist in 5 or 6 years?

Money, time off, and the commute. These are the things that matter in your life every day.