Wow... not the best outlook, but thanks for the insight. I never would have thought it was so difficult.
Funny thing is, I don't even live in MSP. It's just on my short list of cities me and my sig. other are considering moving to after graduate school. MSP, SEA, DEN, in that order. SEA -> no choice (not going to Horizon), DEN (way senior for Skywest, and RAH), MSP a few choices, and a few domiciles within a 2-hr flight. IDK, we see what happens.
I am looking into Mesaba and Pinnacle, but I wanted to see what else was out there.
Thanks again!