Since having started this post however long ago, I left the airlines after more than a decade in favor of a great corporate gig. I won't go into the specifics, but if any major called today to offer a class tomorrow I would respectfully pass (and in fact I did).

For those so fortunate, life doesn't get any better... And for those who would like to join the ranks, it's not as complicated as some make it out to be. Network, smile, be humbled and open to learning and lose the 121 "holier-than-thou" stench.

Good luck.