If upgrade is solely based on growth, there aren't that many more Qs on the horizon. Certainly not enough for a new hire to move up 1200-1500 slots. You could be an FO for a long time (which is why everyone should include long term FO QOL in their "who do I sign with" decision)

If upgrade is based on attrition, and the much hoped for 65 retirees, who knows. Maybe 3 years, maybe 4 to 6 years depending on how many actually retire.

+1... which was the point I tried to make before. "get your time and get out" is much easier said then done.

Don't be surprised if the next PNCL acquisition after this merger is complete is Commutair...

I agree, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it in the next 2 years. Although, I really think that Pinnacle Corp. needs to sit back for awhile and consolidate their operations, refine their operational processes and reduce costs. Things ARE not improving just because the airline is getting bigger, we have a new contract, etc...

where would you guys go if you had an offer from Commutair and Republic?

That will never happen. Companies don't sit back, they are always interested in making the next move and finding ways to make more money and improve their market share and revenue. Acquiring a new company is the easiest way to do this. Especially if it involves a company that has some growth that will come along with it like commutair does.

With all the work Corp had to do with merging the certificates, training employees, retraining pilots, HQ consolidation, training consolidation, and 1000 FAA hoops to jump through, I doubt they would even be able to make it happen right now.

Even with that said, there is nothing that would surprise me if they announced tomorrow they were acquiring someone, commutair or otherwise...

Qql
 

If you are looking for quality of life do not, I repeat, do not go to Commutair under any circumstances.

As for Republic vs Commutair I would go with Republic. Basically Commutair vs anyone except Lakes, go to anyone.

C5 is not a fun place to be, it is a place to be endured.

I agree C5 is not what is was 3 years ago never mind 15 years ago.