It sounds like you're taking in too much of the APC negativity. In real life, Mesa is a normally operating regional airline that, like any airline, employs a bunch of good people, and a few bad ones. Plenty of Mesa pilots like it here and some plan to stay long term. The three most recent classes were made up of decent, professional pilots from a range of backgrounds. These were not rejects, or people who couldn't get jobs anywhere else. It really isn't bad.

If you're trying to decide on a regional, the only thing you need to consider with Mesa is the pay. I made the ill advised decision of chasing growth, but it's a fine place to work if you take it for what it is. Working for a regional isn't cushy, and the low margin aspect of this company (or any regional) means that pretty much everything is going to be sort of second rate - old computers, understaffed, small budgets, etc. Kind of like staying at a Choice Hotels brand hotel (which we do) instead of IHG.

First, choose a regional that isn't going to go out of business, then choose how much you want to get paid, then, if you want, go ahead and speculate on upgrade times, etc., but don't let it rule your decision making process (then, embrace the "suck").

Mesa = low pay + staying in business + growing.