To be honest, I don't see expressjet being a good choice. I think with the most recent announcement of more united 175, it shows United is ready to move away from the 50 sweaters. On top of that expressjet just can't find a way to be profitable. If I was in your shoes, I'd look at Envoy, PSA, or Piedmont, and choose between the 3 on which bases and other things while give you the best QOL possible. Not cause of flow or whatever, I just think American is starting to put more into these 3 and therefore they will be standing for a while when everyone else begins to break down. I'd toss some west regionals in but you seem set on staying east.