This is a type of post that sparks a 5 page long argument about who's regional is better....

Yes, it's ridiculous and the FOs (ERAU grads too) that think they'll be moving on in a year or two ought to lay down the pipe. The majors draw pilots from every corner of aviation. SkyWest pilots don't have more opportunity than anyone else. GoJet captains are the same to Delta as SkyWest captains....

I'm not using my good eye but what?
If a commuter is nothing to brag about shouldn't they be "too cool" for this?

But it does bring an interesting point....half of the 4,200 pilots have been hired in the last 4-5 years. Thankfully there are many "old" guys still here whose excellent example will rub off.

I guess we will really know in 4-5 years from now ....

Buerr wayttt...didn't you guayyzz here dere were a pilot shoortaggee?? Maybe dey haire us in 2 years stead of 6....

Here is the deal. If your young single. Go were you can get a quick upgrade.. if ylur in that category you dont care were you live.. you have a family and want a life beyond work and just getting to a major in 2-4 years. Then go somewhere that will fit ylur family's life.. so what if it takes you 5-7 years to get to a Major. Life won't be miserable for you...

Serious question here...why is it a big deal to upgrade? It seems like FOs are being hired that go out of their way to volunteer with WAI, OBAP, ALPA etc and those who expand their horizons by doing sim instruction and safety department work. If upgrading and TPIC were the magic keycards so sought after than every captain would be picked up, especially the seasoned regional CAs. Not saying that upgrading is not important, but it's only a piece of a gigantic puzzle that makes one competitive for a legacy and once all an applicant's cards align, upgrading might score enough points on one's application to warrant an interview. People are chasing the upgrade and still not getting an interview. Best just to have a mindset of signing up to fly, and if one makes it to a legacy one day, good for them.... It won't happen for everyone, and so don't expect too much is the best strategy for career happiness....

Having money is nice.

True...plus the authority that comes along with it. Nice having the other guy match your style instead of you matching theirs. Still not opting for the first upgrade in DTW, though.

Some pick QOL, some want TPIC, some want $$$

There are plenty of reasons to upgrade and plenty to stay in the right seat.