I definitely see your point.
I was pretty set on XJT when I first started looking at the regionals, I toured their offices in Atlanta and they really put on a good show. I don't have anything concrete tying me to Atlanta, I'm mainly just hoping to stay here because I have a really good network. I'm the backup pilot for a couple of small part 91 flight departments in the area that I could continue to fly for to supplement my income. I'm also an IA with a great reputation in the area allowing me to cherry pick annuals and other profitable maintenance work which really helps. I might be trying to hard to juggle everything right off. The other option is to cut bait and go with the regional that will have me off reserve as quickly as possible and offers the best upgrade times regardless of having to move or commute.

I'm not looking to retire at XJT by any means, like most everyone else I'm looking for a stepping stone to the majors. With what I've seen in regards to mandatory retirements and (as of right now) a growing demand for pilots I think hiring at the majors is really going to ramp up starting mid 2017. I figure with my current times and experience I'll be a strong contender for the majors with about 2 years at a regional. Any thoughts on weather I could ride out XJT and start applying at everything with a wide body after 12 to 14 months on the line?
With how volatile the industry is I find it's really hard to formulate a good plan.