Bligh:

"Don't forget they could come up with some pretty hurtful offensive maneuvers as well. Base closures, realignment bids, out of seniority order restaffs? It's not just a one sided pummeling if we get released."

You are correct if and only if the a large majority of the pilots (think 1983) pilots do nothing. More than likely a PEB (Presidential Emergency Board) will be convened if no contract is achieved. This will freeze what we have and stop self-help by either side until the board can offer their decisions.

Times haven't stop being interesting.