Haven't read all the posts, but many of them. So I apologize if this has been stated before....
My 2 cents:
1 cent: Compensation package. The reason many of us, myself included, are now flying overseas is compensation. The pay, schedule, time at home and whole package has gone down the crapper over the past several years. There are a few exceptions to the previous rule, but in general, the compensation package for pilot services in the USA sucks!
2 cent: Experience. This is a tough one. What is experience? Is a 8000 hour Captain who has flown for a 121 regional airline in North America since he/she had 500 hours of 172 time more experienced then a 4000 co-pilot who flew world-wide since he/she had 500 hours in a 172. Depends on what your version of experience is?
I know I only said 2 cents, but one last thought...there are good pilots and bad pilots....just like good and bad lawyers, it's part of the profession. 20,000 hours doesn't make you a good captain, nor does 1500 hours.
just my 2 1/2 cents