I worked there a couple years ago and they pulled some shady stuff with me as well. I came on as an FO, never signed any contract(training or otherwise) or so much as gave a verbal commitment to Cape Air for how long I would work there. This was my first airline and I found out quickly that working for a place like Cape Air you had better move to your base(in most cases) because it is an absolute nightmare trying to commute back.

I resigned for a regional to be home based before I upgraded to captain at Cape Air and the CP told me I would be marked on my PRIA as a non rehire. Good group of pilots over there but felt that it wasn't a great fit for me personally due to commuting and now I have this on my record. Can't say I'm surprised by your experience