Here is the problem...
WWW, you said "What's wrong with a career in regional airlines? "
Nothing, but here is another issue with the open cheque book culture: There is even LESS chance of a TP job than ever, because guess what?
All those experienced TP Captains and FO's who would have (once upon a time) been attractive to easyJet are no longer of any interest at all because they haven't paid a fortune or gone to the "correct" school.
That means the TP guys are effectively trapped and there is absolutely no movement in the labour market.
And that is good for no-one.