As someone who went through their airline shutting down 17 years ago, I'm sorry that this is happening to you. On the plus side, it's an excellent market for an unemployed pilot. Hopefully you'll all land at another airline quickly, and it'll be a better place to work.
Yes. And by silver lining, you mean Captains topped out on Captain pay, $109/hr, having to start over at the bottom somewhere.
A topped out captain should probably be able to get hired at an LCC or Major. Second year pay will be an increase no matter where they go as long as it isn’t another regional. Either way it’s sad. Good luck to everyone.