Wouldn't it make a lot more sense to just have 10 more junior captains system-wide that could cover those flights than to have 60 FO's? I have no idea what the OpsSpecs say, but 10 captains would be way cheaper than 60 FO's and you'd also reduce overtime and have better morale by being able to have good coverage for pilots going on vacation, FMLA, medical issues, etc.

At least one regional airline hires guys to be dual qualified in both seats. If what you said is true, why aren't they doing that? And if the pay is as good as you claim (72k 2nd year, 100k+ 3rd year, etc.) then I can't see them struggling all that much with retention. There are a lot of guys who want a flying job that allows them to be home every night. There are a lot of well qualified high time guys doing charter gigs that they're way overqualified for simply because the job has some major quality of life advantages.