The Captain pay people are talking about in here isn't imagined. It's very easy to make 50k + first year without applying yourself. Pick up incentive days and that number skyrockets when you can pick up an extra day for $900.

The problem for the company is they spend a significant amount of money getting FO's on the line with most of the training in the aircraft. They're now hiring as low as 500TT, 1000 hours shorter than the regional require. In return they get to stop flying loops around the pattern, and develop professionally. In return the company expects the FO to upgrade and be a Captain for 1 year (where they see their return on investment).

I can't say whether or not I agree with their newest approach, but maybe it'll stop the hemorrhage of money going into FO's that don't fulfill their commitments.