In my experience, the great majority of major airline pilots are military trained. Given the flight profiles involved, this is a good thing. Mil pilots have a lot of experience shooting IFR approaches using heavy iron, into major airports. They have experience managing a crew aircraft (surprisingly important), and have a plethora of experience doing things "by the book." These pilots have a BS degree, and typically move straight from the mil to a right seat in a major airline (like Alaska).
On the other hand, the up and comer civvy guys have to build their time the old fashioned way. They have to earn their private through part time and full time jobs, then either college loan, or debit their way through the commercial ratings. This requires doing the "dirty work" as a local and regional pilot. These are the guys that will bunk 4 to a room, making less than minimum wage, flying 3-12 passengers at a time in the most challenging weather conditions on the globe.
These later mentioned pilots are generally easy to come by, and disposable to the average small part 135 operator.
The analogy of "fly for typical Alaska small airline, or flip burgers... pays the same" is aprapo.
Until the culture changes, and small airline pilots are paid well, and the small airlines can be more selective in hiring, safety on such small airlines will remain very poor.
