I work for "the other regional"..not Mesa, so take my post for it's .02cents.

1.You can go form RJ FO to TurboProp Capt. at SkyWest..not at Mesa.

2.If you are actually going to have a 4+ hr scheduled break, SkyWest will get you a hotel..I don't think Mesa does. (middle of the night in Edmonton..yikes)

3.CrewSchduling will actually work with you (not that you get what you want) but they will try. There are thousands of times this is important. Like deadheading to a trip from out of base..or if your last flight mechanicals and you just want to jumpseat home,or your wife is having a baby...or...

4. SkyW doesn't hire 250hr pilots.

5. SkyW gives a lot of time in the RJ sim. Some call it overkill. But by the time you are ready for your Checkride and IOE most guys feel very prepared. I'm not sure how Mesa does it, but I'm betting its 1/4 to 1/3 less time in the sim.

There really is a very long list of differences...few of which are because of the aircraft. It's QOL. And after the honeymoon with the RJ is over then you will know what I mean.

Finally, there is a reason there are hundreds of X-Mesa pilots at SkyWest..not the other way around.