Peter,
what do you not understand?
The company I fly for has 1280 pilots, 1000 of them have been there less than 6 years, and only 100 of them have more than 15 years. I am #489 out of 1280+(30/month) and I've been there 2.5 years. Upgrade on the E-120 is 11 months, ATR 2 yrs, CRJ 3 years....most 4-5 year guys are either gone to the majors, or will be with in months.
What part of stepping stone do you need explained?
And do you know what the NMB is? (I know what they told us regarding our last contract being the best any "regional" airline will ever see!)
You make mainline pilots seem very out of touch with your question. Yet I happen to know many, and they aren't soo out of touch.
Oh, and another thing. Last contract for ASA, the strike vote for retirement was 9%.
Does that sound like a career minded pilot group to you?