I do not have all the answers here still being one of those regional guys, but we really must end this who is to blame for our current situation argument.
Here is an idea to fix things, take it or leave it.
While a quick look thru UAL's contract there are pay rate for these aircraft only.
B747-400 B777 B767/757 A320/319 B737-300
Why should they have more when that is all they operate?
How about adding negotiated pay rate for the regional aircraft that the want back to mainline. All the way down to the Dash of even a 1900. If your mainline company can save money by keeping the flying in house, they will. They are greedy SOB's after all. This will also help recall the furloughed pilots you currently have.
I understand that the pay to be competitive is pathetically low, but some one is going to have the flying, and we might as well get it back to the mainline instead of shifting it all away to Regionals.
Over time, we can slowly re capture scope to ensure that no aircraft will be flown without brand X pilots at the helm, and then work on getting pay back up.
If some has a better Idea or disagrees, Flame away...