Thanks a lot and, frankly, I have a tendency to overthink things at times so this may well be one of them if that’s your first feedback. My desire to learn/understand can be helpful...except for when it’s a complete PITA that leads me in circles...

No one wants to go through a lateral move between regionals - reminds of the time I heard a guy jokingly tell his wife she was the “best first wife a guy could ever have” & I about spit up laughing - so 135 on similar equipment seems like an important piece of preparation. I want to put a base under myself that would allow me to do the exact opposite of spending a career in one/minimal types - change is the only constant so I want to be prepared to quickly learn & be a contributor (not a training headache) on any equipment that the winds blow me toward.

What you said about 135 in a similar type as great prep for 121 Initial makes all the sense in the world. With this in mind, why do most (all?) regionals seem to value those with a CFI background over folks who have flown 135 (or other similar ‘real-world’/risk management centric flying)? All the regional cadet programs (except Mesa whose cadet program includes an option to fly 135) either target or are exclusively for CFI’s - why don’t the regionals put that same focus & opportunity out there to folks flying 135 single-pilot multi-engine night IFR? Seems like AMF’s pilot group should be getting more opportunities at regionals than R-ATP CFI’s...but that’s not the case for some reason.

I’m grateful for your help!