You just proved my point. Colgan filled seats (and classes, as defined by getting FOs, and I can point to you plenty of FOs) because the upgrade time was very low. So even if the pay sucked, the move to the left seat would be quick and the pay would be higher than many RJ FOs while getting TPIC. You still haven't answered the question, how can 9E fill seats today in 2013, given the current turn of events. A 7 year concessionary contract and a shrinking fleet of 140 gone soon? What makes it attractive for an ATP qualified pilot to come to this mess? I already pointed at the competition, already offering 5k bonuses for newhires and they have 53 new planes for AA. People will go where their future looks best, with better pay and better advancement opportunities. Nothing like that exists at todays 9E, so why would any newhire want to come.