Short answer to your question would be fractional or corporate. I can't speak of quality of life as I never did or wanted to do fractional, and have a very small taste of corporate. It wasn't for me. The key, to me, with corporate, is to work for the right company. I think there are some really good deals out there, you just have to find them. Most of that is through networking.
I was a regional guy, and honestly, that was some of the most fun flying I have ever done. I really enjoyed it, and wouldn't want to change that. They key is to pick a a good regional. There are some really bad ones, and then there are some that are good. I personally never thought that my regional was a place that I wanted to spend a career at, as I want to do different flying. However, some do, and it works for them.
I know some may have a field day with this, but I would really question if airline flying is for you if you are questioning the military/regionals and management and work rules already. This is a tough industry, has been since the late 1970s. I really enjoy the industry, both in working and the history of it, but it is tough. I knew that going in, and still look at it that way and try not to forget that it can bite me too. I am living a good life, but planning for a worse case situation, ie, furlough or medical problems. I think any airline has or will go through bad management or crappy work rules. No airline is perfect, no contract is perfect. No company is perfect, whether it be aviation or not. One thing about aviation, management in the airline industry is often recycled. You may miss them once by not going to one airline, but, they can show up once you are there. And really, no airline is safe. SWA had some trouble after Herb semi-retired, and the management at AirTran, is a mix of "newer" management and old school. Smart guys, but tough. FedEx went through very gentle contract this last time, but the one previous was tough. You just never know.
Maybe someone can give you some guidance on theh fractionals and corporate. By the way, my crashpad buddy is a corporate guy and is a MD-11 guy at FedEx, and got here there the same time I did, and I did the CFI/Regional/LCC thing. So, I don't think it will slow you down, and could be a good option.
Good luck! Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
