Regarding the base question. My class (2/4) was assigned to IND and CMH. No ORD. From what I've been told by more senior people here the lines at IND and CMH are not nearly as commutable as many start early and end late. This is one of the reasons that ORD and ATL go senior. Of course, all it takes is a few FO's upgrading and the tables could completely turn. Jelloy, if you want ORD and that's your determining factor, I see Eagle or Skywest in your future. RAH will throw you wherever they feel.
Why does everybody want bigger aircraft? They all pay the same in the right seat. Let's stick with what we have and get a better contract.