The OP posted some valid points.
Thank goodness we have a horrible contract where I have 16 days off next month with most weekends off!
But yea the pay discrepancy is annoying. And if you come here thinking you'll work for AA, I say good luck.
Upgrade training isn't a freebie. Hope that isn't news flash to folks. Even some that did pass, should've flew couple more hundred hours if you've never flown crjs before. But that's my personal opinion.