Your plan sounds about right.

The future of SLC is not clear. Likely to get ERJs eventually, but no indication that will be growth. CA will remain very senior due to locals never leaving, to have a good schedule, you will want to get hired no later than about 1990.

If you must live there, your plan A should involve DAL. UAL/SWA would be easy commutes to DEN, LAS, PHX.