F9 is hands down better than a regional. They control their own flying and play by their own rules. Sure, management will be griped about just as with any company. If you want to see that in full effect go look at the AA/US sub forum about their contract negotiations.
F9 is a good place to be, great people, on what appears to be a good path and anybody would be lucky to get hired there.

The next contract will dictate a lot of things, and some people will go on to legacies for the lacking parts in the contract (if they are able to get called and pass the interview). But even with lacking areas, F9 is a great place to work and is a good choice for a career airline.