I'm guessing what vtx is saying is akin to what I am feeling: this whole thing has me frustrated, confused, and nervous with some big questions to answer.

The lifers will stay: too much invested to leave. The newish guys won't take too much of a seniority hit going to another regional. Those two groups pretty much have the decision made for them by forces beyond their control. The furloughees have no decision, they gotta go somewhere else.

We in the middle have some tough decisions to make. Do we try to ride it out? After all, we will still have a job, but how good? Do we quit and throw away what seniority we have?

Having the company go Ch. 7 would render these questions moot, and we would know which path to take. That's why some of us say burn it down.

But you are right, it is mostly just blowing off steam, just like saying "I could kill my ex-wife."

GLA