I agree I dont think prgression will happen for quite some time but things do really change overnight but if the LCC (low cost carrier) gets up who knows what will happen.
There are a very small amount of people at short haul that have a view on regional and some that feel Impulse has taken their flying, a bit like AO and QF long haul. Maybe if the LCC gets up and its not Impulse some of those crew may feel the same when their flying is taken away by a new carrier. There are also some in both divisions that dont even know who Eastern and Sunstate are which amazes me but its true and then there are the ones that just couldnt care less who you are just QF staff in their eyes.
I personally dont really acknowledge anyone in the terminal not even fellow short haul crew when they walk past so dont take it personally and I always treat paxing crew and staff the same as any other passenger.
Also I know of more than 4 CSM's that are ex regional in fact there are quite a few.