Fleet/Flow related question.

I'm applying in October with hopes for a January class date. My preference is ROA because it will be closest to where I will be living and drivable if need be. This implies being given/selecting the -8 fleet.

My question relates to the 1 year seat lock incurred when changing fleet and the timing of -8 retirements and how that could affect when a JAN2016 hire could possibly flow. If the writing is on the wall that a pilot will be forced off the -8 as the fleet retires but he or she also sees the light at the end of the tunnel for a flow date, I'm wondering if it would be wise for a pilot in this scenario to bid the jet earlier on and avoid being locked past when you could have flowed up to AA?

I'm guessing the -8s will be gone or nearly gone before this would be a realistic concern for me. Just curious what others think.