I commute NB so yeah RSV is painful, made harder by United’s RSV rules - but they aren’t truly brutal like many, including myself make out to be. RSV in base would be ideal in highly staffed areas like Denver or DC and possibly MCO (unproven yet) as you rarely see any work. Places with lower staffing levels will probably be busier. Truth is, with 15 years (I have 17) left, we probably won’t see the left seat of a WB. Just a fact. If we do, it’ll be RSV life again. The only abbrogation of this is that United is hiring another 4500 pilots and that calculus isn’t added to the seniority lists, so until that calculus is reality, we won’t know what future upgrades will be.

United’s plan is a big bid that could absolutely result in a big loss but it would take another black swan event to really do significant damage to air travel, not even a recession is probably going to truly crush air travel growth, just slow it or stagnate it.

United has more WB and is growing in that sector. This is congruent to your future ‘wants’.

As far as SFO/LAX, it really is the taxes and probably other political and social stuff that push some out of those areas. It’s why enough people have left that particular state that they are seeing a tax shortfall this year. It’s why FL and TX , with their taxes are growth states. If this is not a problem for you then SFO/LAX has all the flying and types you could want.

Don’t discount Guam with United. You sound like you are accustomed to international flying and being overseas, Guam flying has all that and a great quality of life- most trips you are home at night and the flying is apparently-the best out there. (All second hand information.). Some folks choose to spend their junior years there then when they have the seniority, move back to the states for a Capt bid or whatever reason.

You say you have 12 years in your current left seat, you’ve really got to look at pay, benefits and seniority loss.

American is a great company too. I have a lot friends working for them who really enjoy their job, and like the company. Yes their debt ratio isn’t great but they also have a pretty good product and a large market share.

Finally, I spent the last 15 years being the ‘Capt’ (aircraft commander) and it has been really nice to play my role as the guy not in charge for now. As my knowledge and experience changes, I’m sure that will change but for now, it’s been a nice change of life.

Whatever you decide, I hope for the best for you and yours.