It is a free country, the best thing about it is that you can choose to make whatever decision you want... And then later come here and complain about it, apparently. In all seriousness, the real downside to chasing an upgrade is that *IF* something catastrophic happens to the industry or your chosen company, your quick promised upgrade evaporates in a flash, and then what will you be left with?

The biggest malcontent FO's (and by far the biggest PITAs to fly with) all came to SkyWest seven years ago from other airlines when it was a nine month upgrade. They are the ones complaining loudest now about the six year time to get in the left seat because they EXPECTED a fast upgrade. Not saying it won't happen for you if you go to Mesa today, but it ought to be food for thought.