PIC time in 121 ops is the all important goal. Get the fast upgrade , get the hours and then move on...

-LAFF

Historically true, put unless the industry changes dramatically in the near future 121 PIC alone will not get you a major airline job. You will need an inside connection...

Unless you already know who that person is, you probably want to approach a regional on the assumption that you might be there for a very long time. You can take a chance on a crappy regional for the fast upgrade, but you might wake up as an 8 year regional captain, realize you are going nowhere, and that your employer sucks...your dream is now a living nightmare.

You make a good point. I believe knowing someone always improves your chances.

My point is: I'd rather be stuck somewhere as CA than a FO. It might be my personality but if I working somewhere I'd rather be the one with some control than none.

-LAFF

I understand that, I'm probably the same way (a lot of pilots are), but I can safely say that I would rather be an FO for an extra year or two than work for certain companies...