"to date I do not know of a single peer or colleague who has succeeded in getting hired there. (UPS)."

Maybe that was your problem?

"I am sure that there are a few regular guys who slip through the cracks. Anything is possible."

He knew somebody who was willing to recommend him?

And yet you bash the industry you walked away from cause it didn't meet your needs? SWA didn't meet your needs so you didn't apply there? And yet we are all idiots for staying in the career?

You would like to believe every pilot who has a good job and is happy staying in the biz slipped through the cracks and was far more qualified than you. I don't think that's the case, but whatever helps you sleep at night.....