I agree. It took me 10 years of applying to get the interview but that was also a different industry where there wasnt 3 yr upgrades at the rest of the majors. For me I targeted where I wanted to live and applied to those airlines. Of the three that had a base there two called for interviews and I chose SW. I am really glad I got the opportunity and do like it here. Wouldnt leave for another place now or then, but if I was starting out again and there wasnt a base where I wanted to live and was going to commute I wouldnt put sw at the top. I'd obviously go to the interview if I got one and take the job if offered but I probably would keep updating for a yr or two after.
all I'm saying is since we dont have fast upgrades, variety of equipment or flying opportunities we better be years ahead on a contract alas we are not at the top of any of those. Hence, the comment of seriously why would people chose Sw unless the bases worked for were one lived etc