Holy crap, we're on the same side of a discussion for once!

I've thought about all of the "must have" things that really didn't matter over the years. When I began flight training, 1,000hrs tt and 100 multi was the must have to get a regional gig. When regionals got desperate, they were taking guys with 250 hours. Everyone has said that a degree is a must have. While I agree that it is a good idea, I think in the grand scheme of things it isn't essential. When airlines need guys bad enough, they wave the degree requirement. Compass used to insist on a degree. Now ATP mins and a pulse is all you need.

The point I'm trying to make is that when any business is backed against the wall with increased commodity costs, they pay up. Pilots are a required commodity and w don't grow on trees. When market forces are in our favor to demand more, we would be foolish to not take it. Many pilots allow themselves to fall into the trap of letting stereotypes dictate terms. An ULCC with low paid pilots isn't a "must have" item. Particularly with the massive wave of hiring over the next 15 to 20 years, you would be a fool not to demand more and ignore past "must have" stereotypes.