Something I would like to add to the "Choosing base vs equipment" debate:

1. It's not that big of a deal to commute for a few months or even a year if it gets you what you want.
2. Equipment changes don't just have seat locks. Going back to Atlanta to forget everything you just got done learning to start over with a new plane is a huge PITA. The time in Atlanta, the studying, checkrides, time in the sim etc. That you don't have to do this to reach your desired seat counts for a lot.

I was hired before monthly AEs. I really really wanted the ER. It was only offered to my class in ATL even tho I live in NYC so even after training I still had to commute to Atlanta 5 months. I HATED commuting to Atlanta on reserve, but I was still happy over all because I knew at some point I was going to get NYC sooner than otherwise and it wouldn't involve going back to the dreaded Virginia Ave just as I was starting to get comfortable in my jet.

So yeah. Choose what you think is best for you. I just want people to be aware that even without monthly AEs a few months of commuting can still be worth it if you have any equipment preferences.