Agreed...which is why I said "I also understand why Mesaba is doing it." It simply makes financial sense to hire someone who will stay 5+ years vs. somebody you know will be gone at their first opportunity for a job providing better compensation and/or lifestyle.

No matter the reason, it still looks crappy to the highly experienced pilots collecting unemployment right now while 22-23 year olds are getting hired by the couple 121 airlines hiring.

(and no regional airline, Mesaba included, wants captains with 13 years longevity there. They'd rather you upgrade in 2-3 years, be a CA for 2-4 years, and be gone before you start really costing them in wages and vacation)