Im in a similar pos as you.....been at a LCC for almost 5 years so I am a few numbers north of your hourly rate. I'm around your age but committed to 65. My choice seems risky I know, but it really comes down to my own situation. I live in base (EWR) which coincidentally is one of United most junior bases, but it is also one of my company's most senior bases. It is a Gigantic pay cut for first year.....but as you say this upcoming merger between our two carriers I don't think is going to spawn as much growth as Executives claim....and as always with a merger there will be a period of stagnation, unknown SLI process.......and there are NEVER going to be wide bodies. Feel free to Private message me and I 'd be glad to discuss more.