I think I know why you're asking the question and my first suggestion is to stay off the crackpipe. I don't read it but I'm assuming it's doom and gloom.

I once had a jumpseater who had been around a while tell me, "You'll never out-guess this industry." If you want to work at Skybus because of no other reason than the uniform, go ahead. Or if you want to work for XYZ Airline because of [insert personal preference], then go ahead. Obviously you need to look at many factors but you'll never out-guess anything and upgrade isn't everything.

I personally think changing regionals accomplishes very little in most cases. There are exceptions, of course. Throw out upgrade time... if jumping ship improves your QOL and you're in he bottom 1/3 on the seniority list, then it may not be too bad. But chasing a quick upgrade isn't always the smartest thing to do - especially if you're "age challenged." I think the only good reason to chase a quick upgrade is if you have connections, i.e. family member, at a legacy or cargo company that requires PIC turbine.

For example, I was 23 when I was hired at XJT and my plan was to be at a major in 5 years. That didn't happen and I'm still here 8+ years later. I'm not a lifer - I'm working on a few options but I wouldn't change anything from the last 8 years, except 9/11, which is why my 5 year goal didn't come through.

Just a few things to thinks to think about.