I've enjoyed reading the different perspectives on this subject matter.

I believe it wasn't long ago that the hour requirements for a new FO were in fact around the 2500 hour mark. Pay back then, was in fact STILL shabby. Many argue that this is because 'back then' the flying was done in smaller aircraft and the pay scale reflected that......well guess what Mr. CEO there Is nothing regional about a RJ......only the name. I'm up for anything to get our pay where it needs to be. Back when I did my Aero degree we always had heated discussions on the pros and cons of the deregulation of '78. I'm all for the free market....but when all the players in our small world are a bunch of crooks something has got to give.