I agree with both your statements. And pilots starting today will have a different experience than me. But when I started, upgrade was 18-24 months. I made my decision based on domicile, upgrade time and QOL of the company. At least my domicile came through because I don't think I would have made it being on reserve for so long and commuting.

Hindsight, I should not have waited to get the 1,000 hours to apply at SW and should have taken the first gig that was offered. It has been nothing but downhill since I started and amazingly enough it was right around the time CC took over.

Apps are out but there is no guarantee. Just sad to think about how far SW has fallen from the glory days. At least both my bids gave me 100 hours this month. So I have that going for me... which is nice.