When Delta was in BK it was Grinstein who was the hatchet man and did the dirty work. Anderson took the helm only after the storm was over and the seas began to calm. The same will happen with AA/Horton. I dont think he was ever meant to be the long term leader, but only the hatchet man and/or M&A specialist (especially considering his experience from AT&T).

So merger or not, I dont think Horton will be the one leading AA out of the abyss.