My take: Pinnacle is calling your friend because they need pilots (like everyone else) due to attrition and 'maybe' growth (CR9). From what I understand, HR planning has to plan on best case scenario and if it doesn't work out ie strike etc, well too bad for the new hire -
IMO there is too much turbulence at 9E to want to go there when there are currently better regionals to go to - coupled with the fact that 9E has such a vicious operating environment when it comes to management and labor.