MOR,
It's not exactly the breadline we are dealing with at Eagle, for a new Co coming in with relatively low experience (but all ATPL's) $37.6K as a starting salary is not too bad, not gold either but not bad. In 3yrs time a similar low experience (all ATPL's) new Co will start on $40K.
There's no problem what so ever with hand flying an aircraft, keeps the skills sharp and keeps the mind occupied. As to No advancement prospects??? Co's with less than 12mths seniority are being awarded commands at the moment, and both Co's & Captains alike are being interviewed by the big Koru.
I'm not aware of your expectations from a company like Eagle but it is certainly not the worst job in the world. Keep in mind what a regional 19-seater company is capable of both with revenue and renumeration capabilties.
Anyone out there thinking of Eagle as a prospective career path (albiet a stepping stone) I can fully recommend it (despite the current rostering debacle).
S2K