First off QOL and Regionals aren't good in the same sentence usually. Second off an easy commute isn't always ever easy either.

All regionals have their few good parts and bad. ExpressJet has a easy Commute for you and that would be awesome right? Well not really if you're trying to get on to a major while the hiring is big. 5-7 year upgrade would suck.

Regionals are changing on a yearly basis. Somebody struggling today might be a gold mine in a few years. Someone that looks great might be in bad shape in a few years. I'd actually first look for one that has a mix of an okay commute with a okay upgrade time.

Good Luck, You'll need it.