I'm all for rationalizing pay...that would be a pay raise for us reserve lineholders. I'm not sure that the 8 hour waiver would result in a smaller base at LGB, probably the opposite. It would then make more sense to base more crews at LGB to cover more transcons, which is most of the LGB flying. Also, remember that this covers more than transcon turns. Lots of other combos that can result in more than 8 hours, so I think the benefit will accrue to a larger group than just the top third.
'Course, I could be wrong...