"You are absolutely right, in the seniority world where you live and die by the date of hire. Why would I be willing to do the job for less than other guy? You still have not answered my questions I've asked you several times so far. Why do US airline pilots undercut each other? Do you think it has anything to do with the rat race for a date of hire at a career carrier or even your regional, as that date of hire is literally all that matters in the airline career? What would be the incentive to undercut others if your date of hire was no longer a factor in you upgrading or getting better pay, etc.?"

The incentive to undercut is that if you come cheaper then the next guy then your dreams come true while the other guy hits the street. Airlines and pilots undercut each other because they are in competition. The seniority system is an unfair prison but also is helping to keeping wages from entering a complete free fall.

If you are not able to cut your costs under the next guy eventually your pilot way of life will go away. I am example of someone who can not accept the low staring wages of the airlines anymore. I have a wife and children to think about so I have been forced out. Aviation is not a place where you can build value into your career over time. It is a war of attrition. How much are you willing to give? What will you sacrifice in order to stay in the saddle?

"Pilots are paid by what they will do not for what they can do". Famous pilot quote.

Skyhigh