Jayhaw
k, i believe the interviewers are human, and if you need to make a sideways move for your family, they would expect nothing less. Why they look for people that do not jump from job to job is to make sure the new hire would be loyal. Now they may question you if you are able to take the pay hit for the first few years.

The way it was explained to me many years ago, they have a certain template that they like to follow. you know, 4 year degree, Captain TPIC multi-crew, stand up guy. You always have to meet the mins. After that, If you lack in one department, you need to make up in another. so you have little TPIC, better have a good recommend(s), with a 4 year. No 4 year just 2 year, better have lots of TPIC etc. As far as how competitive the market will be in the future is anyone's guess. As many have said don not under estimate the power(POWER) of networking, from church, on layovers etc. I have found that most people would love to help a decent guy out.

Good Luck guys!!! hope AA hires a bunch off the street soon.