Still hiring with about a class each month. The competitive minimums have been steadily increasing over the last few months and many former Lakers have come back as captains, very short on captains at the moment.
QOL doesn't really exist as you'll be expected to work quite a bit (many flying 110+ month) pay is minimal and dont expect any glorious overnights as you'll be frequenting places in Kansas you have never heard of.
Lakes is a unique place for better of for worse, you'll leave with a handful of stories and some of the best flying you've ever had during your career... for some its a great opportunity if you can pull it off, otherwise look elsewhere if your hoping to support a family with the minimal pay.
As far as Domiciles go, DEN and STL are it for the moment but could see STL shut down soon, ABQ and MKE are currently TDY lines so that can help pad the pay-check.
Pilots have moved onto just about everywhere from here.