Pay isn't everything. A 10 year Skywest captain may make $11/hour less than a 3 year JetBlue FO but the 10 year Skywest captain probably has more days off per month and gets weekends and holidays off in most bases. Is $11/hour really worth giving that seniority up especially for people with families?

Now when you're talking about a Legacy like Delta or United where 3rd year FO pay is significantly higher, and they get a 15% 401k contribution then it starts to become more worth it to take the quality of life hit for the pay raise.

To each his own. I see both sides of the argument. People who are single or have no kids and have the ability to move maybe would go to a LCC to chase the pay. Regional captains with young kids who can't move are probably waiting for a Legacy to call.