I don't think regionals did it to themselves. RLA limits our ability to strike. Majors slapped us by giving up scope along with ALPA and APA not enforcing all hiring from the regionals after scope was relaxed. (Yes there are many qualified military and non-military pilots but where would you say the true bottom of the industry is? Not at mainline.) Many pilots although qualified were/are allowed to cut in line and hired directly into mainline jobs which further stagnates career progression at the regionals. Then factor in 9-11, downsizing and age increase to 65. The system is most broken at the regional level and not much will ever change because the emphasis is at mainline.