I left 9E shortly before they announced the FO SSP and retention bonus. The EtD program had become a huge failure and they weren't close to filling classes. IF they announced the bonus and DL interviews before I left I may have stayed.

That said: I'm happy with my September hire date and May upgrade class. PIC helps on all apps.

I'm only half joking when i say gather all the information you can and make the best decision with what's available... then do the opposite.