It should be OK, but will always have the potential, even likelyhood, of dramatic ups and downs.
The only things which could screw it up for good are global war or catastrophe with a massive, long-term economic impact, or oil prices which go up and don't come down.
I believe that our current oil spike will not last. Actually, technology exists to make artificial jet fuel and the ATA is "looking into it". Conveniently, the USAF is manufacturing artificial fuel and certifying all of their aircraft to use it...hopefully this will help pave the way for the airlines and the FAA.
I think that you may be right about pilot demographics...there will still be a big retirement surge (5 years late), and the poor regional environment may scare off entry-level pilots.
This could create a high-enough demand that regionals might ask their major partners to not poach their pilots...meaning that you could only get hired at a major which does not have a contract with your regional
