American understands this logic and hires applicants to have AA employee numbers. Their checks say AA as well. Their initial interview is more stringent but they get the best and brightest.

United's regional strategy is a decade behind and they've gone ahead and doubled down on that outdated strategy.

Flying for Expressjet is not any different than any of their other non wholly owned (really partially wholly owned) partners such as Air Wisconsin and Mesa Airlines.

This "Aviate" program strategy is A.) just to get people in the door to feed their regional whipsaw (it's hungry) and B.) Keep people in line and on eggshells at all times.