I think it's safe to say we all want to fly because we love to.
I have been flying for a 121 carrier for over 2 years.
I will say this:
We need to do what we can to starve out of existence the carriers that are absolute bottom feeders like Lakes, CommutAir, Colgan, GoJet and Mesa.
The only way to do this is to stop applying for them. When they can't find enough starry eyed dreamers to fill their seats, they either have to pay on par with the other regionals (which is still sad and crappy, just less than the bottom feeders) or they disappear. So either way we as pilots making a career in this business win. The more fractured this industry is, the worse it is for us. Sometimes you have to pick off some of the fruit off the tree and let it rott so the rest of the fruit is healthier and sweeter.

good point! I think you have a good angle there. I have nothing in return to that good description.

I contributed to my 401k as an FO. It wasn't easy, but I did it. All it takes is some serious fiscal responsibility...

I also was a 23 year old captain, and have known many many others who were able to upgrade at 23. Nothing special around here.

Is getting a job at DAL, SWA, FedEx, Allegiant, or AirTran enough upside for this place? No? How about NetJets, FlexJet, or corporate?

If you really want to starve them out, apply for the job, go to the interview, and when they offer you a job, decline it letting them know you can't or won't work for the pay they are offering.

When they invest the time and energy to evaluate you, it is more of a hit to them than if they just select someone else from their large pool of applications. It also directly communicates to them the reason why.

What if we cant even afford to get our way out there just say you go and be a no show?

i heard there were list of ppl who interviewed last year that might have put into a pool. they might call them back first?

Never mind....

Ok, just out of curiosity, not that this is an option right now, but do you think Lakes would be worth going to for a direct entry Captain position? The pay is still terrible, but probably livable. What do you think?

They won't have any direct entry captains for a LONG time. But if you want my thoughts... Go to AMF and fly 99's or BE1900s. You'd be paid alot more and the schedule isnt as back breaking.

Lakes just called to offer me a May class date. I was hired last year, but the class date was cancelled. I told them that I couldn't take a First Officer position. They told me to call back if I change my mind.