Tomcat, that pay for a Captain is very low. The boss works for a Saudi and has many aviation interests. I know ASAS as a handling agent they seem efficient and do their job well. The Citation has not been as successful as hoped since the range is a bit limiting hence the move up to the 125. The aircraft has been well used and maint perhaps not quite as good as it could have been, it has been to a number of facilities instead of sticking mainly to one, a mistake in my humble opinion, as no-one then feels particularly responsible, or interested in it. With regard to the re-reging, Aruba reg was comparitively simple, I used to operate a 72 with one, but I think they have tightened up a bit with regard to Operators Certificates, SA reg will pose problems with the PCA with regard to charter. Both pose potential problems.
I feel that your hunch has validity and you might possibly just be fill in, but I certainly don't know.
Glad to hear you don't want to screw them around, have you signed anything yet? Regardless of that, my advice is a bird or three in the hand is worth ... Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
Stateside may not be as glamerous but if you are contemplating marriage than the stress and uncertainty, combined with what you feel to be an unsatisfactory renumeration, do not make it easy for a harmonious relationship, particularly with the added stress on her in an unfamiliar environment, believe me I know.
Life here at the moment is uncertain, and US cit's are vulnerable. There are at least some elements of Lebanese society that are extremists. If this sounds a little alarmist, I have always rather been safe than sorry and most expats at the moment out in these parts are maintaining a somewhat lower profile than before and being carefull. It is not the most auspicious time to start out here. Sorry if that sound a bit pessamistic but that is simply my present opinion as requested.