Jim, don't let folks with personal issues bother you. You didn't sound arrogant and your question was legit and similar to one I had back when I was in your position. I was fortunate to receive multiple offers and got to chose which company I worked for. That's not always the case and I'll be the first to admit I was extremely lucky.

Not sure about UAL, but if you get invited to interview at Delta they will ask your no kidding availability in the interview and have you write it on your app that you sign in front of them. If offered a CJO, they will ask if you have any major life events or issues in the next 3 months when they call to offer a training class.

Free advice (and it's worth what you paid for it), take the first class avail and tell Uncle Sam thanks for the memories. You did your time, but the reality is nothing you do for your job or the unit you are with will be remembered after you leave. The machine keeps rolling along. You however stand to lose a ton in seniority, especially at the rates the majors are hiring at right now. Making sacrifices for career number one could seriously impact career number two for years to come, both financially and in quality of life for you and the family.

Good luck with the transition.