Carl;
We are getting in to schematics here. Of course there were pilots lining up to fly a RJ for 20 bucks an hr with a wet commercial from the flight farms. I agree that is a problem. It is also why I strongly support the Education Committee that goes to these schools and educates the future aviators about the pitfalls of this career. Historically pilots are going to go where they can to get to a major asap. The cannot see the bigger picture. I knew nothing about it.

Regionals were the ticket in the 90's as you were flying a turbo prop and then on to the majors. I agree that changed in 2001. Trust me, I was not happy to see the Regional airlines explode and the mainline shrink. It cause stagnation and eventually wage concession though the Ch11 era. I did not like seeing my former airline triple in size in four years while DAL shrank by 40%. I did not like Mesa coming in and further driving downward pressure on the industry, I did not like Go Jets being created to work around Trans States Contractual issues, and a lot more.

Where we as a group have failed is in education of the future aviators. I have stated that many times. I had no idea about the throws of this industry prior to my regional gig. I wished I did. We need to start there. I still maintain that the fix needs to come from the majors, and the existing regionals together. They need better contracts and we need better scope. It is a two pronged effort. Simply stating that guys should not take a job is imo just plain naive. New pilots are going to do whatever they can to get to where they want ASAP. The fix to the problem needs to be guys like you and I not voting for more scope concession, and regional guys demanding better pay at every section six. Both will solve the issue over time. If there is less flying, there will be less slots. Lets start there.

To answer you one question. Comair tried it in 2001 with a 89 day strike that raised their top rate to almost 118 an hr. They have since then been shrunk in to an oblivion.

In the end, we both agree that the regionals are a problem. I like the fact that you care deeply about scope. So lets work on the fix, and quit assigning blame. I am guilty of this as are you.