While there are some valid arguments for your opinion, it is not necessarily the truth. I have some buddies at Mesa that are quite happy. I also know some who left Mesa to come to ASA/XJT at some point. As far as choosing a regional is concerned in this day, I would, and did, make my decision based on the ability to drive to work. That single issue, in my humble opinion, is more important than pay, vacation, sick time, soft credit, scheduling, or career progression. I like my job at XJT (CRJ), but I would never try to convince someone to come here if they could drive to work at another carrier.