After flying there for 7.5 years I can honestly say it was like mulit-pilot groups within the company. During that time there were many difficult pills to swallow. I was in a group that both upgraded and downgraded and upgraded again. However there were others that did that X2. Now thats one bitter pill-to swallow, damn near cyanide! One thing I did notice is that XJ was a multi-faced company in the sense of differences. MSP/DTW/MEM crews, Avro crews/Saab crews. It was most surely different flying--some for the better, and some worse. The SF had better sked hands down with utilization, but the Avro was more comfy. Its all what you make of it and more over get out of it (experience for when you upgrade). I found its not the flying that was the hard part, it was what all you have to deal with (pax, agents, WX, dispatch, CS and such) and be able to communicate with them all and your crew. It was good to have started as an FO because I was able to see the different captains handle situations and learned from that. There is (or was) a little of us vs. them. There always will be, and it goes on at each airline. I had UPS DC8 crews make fun of the 757 guys right in front of them. (they poked fun at being "loafer wearers"). But one item I will never forget from XJ is the culture of SAFETY. To the new hires, be open minded and get out of each flying experience of what you put into it. Learn what works, what doesnt, and how most situations can be best handled. Remember its not just the flying that preceds one's repuation, but how you carry yourself as a Mesaba pilot. You never know how quickly that upgrade number will come.