Jetwhine--U.S. pilots like myself are considering going expat for a variety of reasons.
If we're going to be victimized by bad management, why not see a different part of the world while we're at it?
I've had enough layovers in Omaha and Kansas City to last a lifetime. I'd like to get bored with cities in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Every time I pass through a hub, it shortens my life--more so than flying long haul.
At AA, I have a chance to finish my career as an MD80 CA. At EK, I would have a chance to be a CA on a widebody. And, yes, there IS a difference.
If there is to be a pilot shortage in the U.S., the airline management has earned it and should rot in Hell for it. TC
P.S.--Maybe by being an expat, I could learn a second language (or at least understand the Brits better...
)