Yes, there's a delay in training. However, the delay will drop now that the new sim is running in CLT. Additionally, there's a large group of LCA in the works that will greatly speed up SOE. Therefore, a new hire today most likely won't see the delays of the past.
Even if the training footprint held at 6 months, consider the following:
36 Piedmont pilots will have flowed to American Airlines
You will be sitting at home collecting full base pay
You'll have full AA flight benefits
You'll be closer to 2nd year pay
The only downside is if you're hoping for a quick upgrade. The currently flying first officers will have 400-600 more hours closer to upgrade.