If you were free to live in base, at whatever is most convenient for any regional DEC position you might take, who is offering the best and most lucrative deal right now? I see a lot of places like Piedmont, etc., offering signing bonuses and promising $250k for the first year. What does the second year look like? A lot less, since the bonus doesn't apply on year two? Flow to majors is great, but first year at a major is low pay, less than $100k, am I understanding that right? If a pilot is almost 60, would it ever make sense to just stay as a regional captain to stay at the higher payscale?

My background is as a corporate/135 captain with numerous type ratings. I see a lot of offers as a DEC at $250k, and that is better than my current job flying a Falcon. Trying to get some perspective here, and see if I might be better off as a regional DEC with more days off, work protections, and better pay. Thoughts?