If newhires really wanted higher payscales then Horizon air would be the 'place to go.' They are by far the highest. Instead, there is an influx towards places like SKYW, Mesa, and others with quick upgrades. Most want the quick upgrade so that they can advance their careers to the next level (FedEx, SWA, legacy carrier). Do you REALLY think people would go to AE and sit as an FO for 8years if they had unlimited free travel and started pay at $40k???