Originally Posted by Nantonaku

If you are good enough to fly a passenger at a regional there is no reason you shouldn't be good enough to do it at the mainline partner. Nothing in this industry is based on how "good" you are, otherwise upgrades would be based on skill (and they aren't). The ability to network and pass an interview say nothing about one's ability as a pilot. At this point it is whoever is better at the game. Or whoever lucks out, there are going to be some lucky regional groups in the next few years.