Spongebob,

I think something that is not mentioned is a difference in culture. Many of the graduates of these ab-intio programs at foriegn airlines are simply gear monkeys, or sit in the seat during non critical phases of flight like cruise. While even here the captain is the final authority, in many Asian cultures it's still considered as wrong to question his choice. As you may be aware this culuture differs greatly from ours.

While the captain is still the final authority (and should be, they have more experience) US carriers rely on much more task-sharing and CRM. The FO is (and should be) a much more integral part of the flight crew than just a gear monkey.

Having said all of that, I think too many people are willing to jump to the first regional that will throw them a bone. However, recent history has taught that the regional isn't just a stepping stone that you'll be done with after a couple years enroute to that major job. It's a long-term stop that may get you to a major after five or six years. I'd much rather start at a place I want to work versus somewhere that I don't want to then make a lateral move later. The only thing you end up doing that is being at the bottom of the seniority list again. Friends that have done this have commented on how much they hated the first company, and how much they hate being on reserve, trying to commute, or spending more money on yet another crashpad. As you know seniority doesn't follow you. Starting at the bottom all over again isn't fun.