I'm buzzing in with answer number 2.
I would love to fly for REX, but why even consider it when I get paid substantially more in maintenance! At present, only AME, in supervisory role, earning $80k base, working Monday to friday, and a free Uni degree thrown in. Far cheaper and more satisfying to buy your own aircraft, and enjoy flying. Still instructing part time as i actually enjoy that too.
If Rex or another employer that offers regional kind of flying, for similar money, I'll be there tomorrow. At the moment I can't justify the cost of upgrading to MECIR to land a job paying less than half I get now. And yet, I have no desire to get a jet job. Been in too many jump seats to realise watching the autopilot all day is not my kind of flying.