Yes - that does seem to be some of what the OP is experiencing. I'm not sure that he expected the "glory days" of old - but he obviously expected something different. I've had the same thoughts. I like the CRJ/ERJ series(I don't consider myself to have SJS though) and I had given thought to going to a good regional at some point. I thought that there would be quick upgrades with the amount of movement at the time and that I could get sneior enough to hold good lines and schedules quickly; but these boards, and the current state of the industry as a whole, have given me cause for reflection. I hope for all that the state of today's industry as you say can bounce back and recover to at least a glimpse of the past - even if not the past of the "glory days" (whenever those were according to who's opinion). I still want to be a "professional" pilot at some point in the future. I'm one of those that loves flying with a passion but I'm learning more and more about the industry and the politics of the business and it doesn't paint a rosy picture. I still have my fingers crossed though!

USMCFLYR