I agree up until the point that you're so burnt out flying for a crappy operation that you don't want to fly anymore. I hear a lot of guys echo the same thoughts when they decide to sacrifice a good contract for poor QOL and a quick upgrade. Next thing you know, they're lateraling to another regional. If you're at a great company with a short upgrade, the more power to you.

Sure, if you're young,unattached, and don't mind getting yanked around, go for the quick upgrade at a sketchy company. However, just like graduate school, GO TO ONE THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE. Again, I don't want to sound like all quick upgrades are due to a bad operation, but some are.

Your advice is great for those like you, however I prefer my work rules and duty rigs over making it to a major a couple years earlier. I have the time and money to live the way I want for now, so it's a personal decision. Not everyone is dying to get to a major airline to fly until they drop dead.

Not trying to be confrontational. Your insight is valuable, but I'm just trying to shed some light on the other side of the coin!