I'd agree, the anger you see vented here & other places is the fact that most Regional pilots have been stuck there during the "lost decade" through no fault if thier own. They are flying around roughly 50% of Mainline passengers on Large "Regional" jets that are no where NEAR "Regional" and are doing so at a C scale wage with little to no retirement, horrendous work rules and drive by management.

If you retire "in a few years" you'll hit the biggest hiring wave in airline history (barring a black swan event). It would be a waste of your time and career regression to go to a Regional from the military. We have new hires now at DAL with your current times. In your years remaining fill out the IP box, squadron safety officer, anything else you can do to advance your resume'.

Best of luck.