H2OK9,
You're right about a couple of things. I do still have a paying job with Lakes, but I also interviewed at another company and had a fellow Laker there. This was only about 3-4 weeks ago and this guy was still on furlough with no letter or call from Lakes to indicate otherwise. He also said he was making more in unemployment as an FO for Lakes. I believe he had made it on line shortly before the 11th had been on reserve at the time so I don't know about this new hire class.
As for EAS, it doesn't make that much money, $300/landing isn't much to run an airline on. I know that this isn't the most Lakes makes in EAS money for some cities, but it also isn't the least. And with a loss of over $15 million last year it is going to take a long time to recover.
Lastly, you are right, they do hire low time guys, but how low of time will they take people with now?
I know that Lakes does have some good points. The pilots I fly with now are probably some of the best bunch of people I will ever fly with, if only Management would realize that. As for my spot on the seniority list, you can have it. My last day will be in less than two weeks. Good Luck.