I'll answer that. One clarification....... I elected to take November/December/January off (Voluntary Leave, zero pay, personal decision) prior to the accident. So I am at home, getting close to retirement, enjoying family and hobbies. I hang out on all the forums. The airline industry and what is going on is one of my interests. This is a small community and when I receive questions from people looking at AK saying "Is it really that bad at AK? I am reading xxx", I look into it for them.

You haven't answered my question on your timeline to upgrade. I suspect you took first available and your timeline is not characteristic of normal progression at AK. Enjoy your time in that seat, and if the cards play out that those senior to you make the decision to take upgrade, enjoy the seniority boost and schedule from the right seat.