George,
Spot on. Pilots all over the seniority list are just starting to understand SJS, and we have had the problem for almost 20 years. These JV's et al are less conspicuous, and therefore need to be vetted by us each and every time DAL wants to sign one, independent of what type of economics or business model they are running under.
Gloopy, I am concerned at the noise EK is making. Wanting to buy in to AF is one way to control schedules and willingness to cooperate. In an article wit the AF CEP there is some silly talk about transferring a lot of their NA flying to their JV partners. After much thought it may just be a way for them to get out of the JV and embrace EK.
There is a lot going on in the international scene and all of us need to watch it, and educate ourselves accordingly.