I was initially responding that your logic was flawed and that the low CA pay had nothing to do with it. Then I started to type this response:

Yes Mesa pay is presently low. But CA pay is MUCH higher than FO pay. So the upgrade is a raise that is better than a lateral move to another regional, Spirit, Frontier or any cargo outfit......

Then it hit me. You are right. Because FO's SHOULD move laterally or to an LCC or to a cargo outfit BECAUSE the CA pay IS what it is. You are better off making the move as an FO than you are as a CA - because financially the only move that makes sense after upgrade IS to a major. So if you are going to jump it's actually better to jump as an FO than as a CA. HOWEVER if CA rates were on a par or a bit higher then it would be more attractive to stay and make the jump to a major when the time comes. So I agree with you.

Yup and the lateral move comes with a signing bonus and extra cash at some places since they already qualify for Captain.

Still, why not upgrade until they get a better job? There’s no training contract right now and captain pay starts day one of training. I do get though if they don’t want reserve, but if it’s for better money then they should upgrade.

Reserve bad schedule for a bunch of em. And some aren’t confident they can pass

So a captain at Mesa makes more than 2nd year FO at Spirit?

Because once you start living at that income level it’s very difficult to move to cargo or LCC that pay less than 60 an hour the first year.

More that a first year FO. If you survive the first year it pays off.

The application window is open at Omni

Still not enough money. The true leaders of the pack and who we should all strive to match our Endeavors rates.

Making 150k+, other things start to become more important than money.
Days off are huge, not flying much, all your days off in a row, excellent healthcare, no crashpads, etc.
For those at Mesa who are bringing in 12k a month with 300%, wouldn't it be nice to achieve that without working extra days, without hoping that 300% is even available, that you retain 14 to 15 days off? Glad you guys are able to bring in that money.