Its all good dude. I don't think anyone can say anything to actually offend me or even get me mad. Its just the internet ya know. :)

I guess this is my thought on it too. Sure TSA has lots of movement. If you need 700 pilots due to expansion, then only 350 are going to get in on the upgrades due to the expansion (purely arbitrary numbers). So what happens after pilot number 350 (or so...) gets in? The big question is can the company staff under you once you're in.

I used to proclaim how great SkyWest was at that...though of late I'm not so sure:D

Where is this logic coming from? CFI, Military, previous 135 - shouldn't matter....once you log 1000 hours SIC 121 you are eligible to upgrade.....

Clearly "skypimp" was destined to work here...

Delta Airlines Ebonics Commercial - YouTube

Per the regs, yes. Per company requirements, not necessarily.

Do people right at 1,000 hours 121 time with no prior jet time actually feel comfortable upgrading? I went from CFI straight to the regionals and there's no way I would have upgraded at 1,000 hours. That seems a bit dangerous.

Instead of instructing for the whole time, many people do the part 135 thing first, flying turboprops around single pilot IFR. Others get FO jobs in a Leer, and then work up to Captain before going to the regionals. Those people are probable ready to upgrade. CFI only's, probably not.

Personally, I think working as a CFI past 500 or so hours provides very little "experience".

I just LOL'd.

And how much of your 50 seat flying expires in the next 5 years?

Agreed. Prepare for the 15,000 hour rule.

I think it just depends on the pilot... Some people feel ready and are, others don't feel ready and bypass upgrade for a bit (also gives the benefit of not sitting on reserve if you were to defer for a few months), and some go to upgrade and aren't ready and don't become Captains. If you haven't figured out enough of what the hell is going on in 1,000 hours (you've certainly seen all 4 seasons at this point) then just keep sitting in the right seat until you do.