When it mattered I'd pour over the flow plan and sift through all the data to help predict company events. It is extremely difficult to predict and forecast reserve and line times due to a company that doesn't always plan staffing levels accurately. When I fly with guys in the 1600-1900 range they are only months apart in seniority but some are about to upgrade and some only have 250ish hours due to a company hiring binge.

With that said many people here will tell you pick the 145 and drive to work. It's what I wish I could tell you to do. If I were you I would look at the time it would take to hold a line in ORD 175 vs 145 reserve MIA/ 145 line MIA. You could likely be in ORD145 for 6-8 months followed by another 6-8 months of MIA145 reserve before you hold a line. ORD 175 would get you more time faster based on current hiring trends. Good luck if you have any specific questions or anything you are unsure feel free to ask. It's a crazy and weird time at Envoy.