Just wanted to give you my 2 cents, Shinyside, on the Mesa program after listening to the myriad of babies apparently crying the blues about my type "lowering their pay scales". I went through the Mesa program, got hired in the right seat of a CRJ with very low hours and have experienced first hand these elitist complainers. Its obviously a case of sour grapes for these guys and gals. If they could have gone this route, don't think they wouldn't have. As far as the pay, its been no secret for decades that pilot pay scales have been on the decline, especially after 9/11. Further more, who convinced these guys that a starting pilot should be making great money? Do doctors, lawyers, etc. come right out of the gate making high tax bracket salaries? No, most are right there with an F/O salary possibly having to mix martinis on the side to pay the rent. The unfortunates that they label the "buy a job" types are just an easy scapegoat for their frustrations.
The program was excellent and I would recommend it. If your young, yes, pay your dues and go the military route or become an instructor. For us older guys the options had narrowed.