Its certainly a double edged sword. As far as what "happened" to mainline guys.... they screwed themselves..... the were "too good" to fly small jets... AA couldnt even ever come to terms with APA on the F100 much less the F70. Scope was relaxed because the need for lift was there, and mainline pilots wouldnt fly the equipment for the rates the company wanted or needed.... both mgt and the pilots caused the RJ explosion.