I disagree. I think we'll see a little more outsourcing of routes as companies right-size platforms to routes and their load demands. Let's face it, some routes served by 73s and the smaller busses are better served by the erjs, crjs, and dashes. However, I believe we've seen the end of the line in terms of size of aircraft regional operators will fly for their codeshare partners. I think that the mainline pilots understand how crucial this issue is to those who will follow and to their own income potential, and will prevent a further expansion in size of regional aircraft. Age 65 and the slowing econmy have cooled things down but the majors will hire again.
I think you will see some routes go back to mainline and some go to regionals. Nothing new here as they change due to market needs.
I never said the majors would not hire again, but don't blame one regional for decisions that were made a long time ago by major airlines.