ALPA didn't neuter themselves that's wrong. They simply do not represent the interests of regional airline pilots in an effective, meaningful way. Of course they are happy to collect your dues and give the token speech on the evils of management etc.. but in the end they don't represent you.

In ALPA's view, they represent you by proxy. They say everything they do is for your own good once you get to the majors.

ALPA views regionals as nothing more than a B scale which they allow. In order for the guys at the very top to be wealthy, there must be guys like you at the bottom on food stamps.

The industry and ALPA want the regional airlines (B scale) to exist, there isn't much you can do about that. But what you can decide as a pilot group at your airline is what kind of place it will be for pilots.

Will it be an up and out type of place only? Then you want ALPA. Flatten the payscales completely for Captains and FO's
-or- will it be a place you make a career? If so, you want someone other than ALPA. Be prepared for FO's to starve and Captains to make more at the regional for the latter.

It's really that easy. Play the cards you are dealt is your only option, but that doesn't mean you don't have some options.