One point on the previous reference to the regionals being akin to minor-league baseball. In the minors the standards of performance are much lower than the major leagues. However in the regional airlines the expectations are the same as mainline. You operate at the same standard of performance out of the same airports they do and are held to the same standards on checkrides. Many regional guys and ladies don't like to hear this but the only difference between both sides of the industry is you are doing it for C scale rates. Most people defend the stepping stone system that is in place only until they are rejected by mainline then realizing that the entire thing is basically a scam.