A serious question deserves a thought out answer.

As another junior Blue guy... I'd be all for it, even with something close to a staple. (I won't argue over integration either. Although, a 5-7 year fence seems very logical - retirements will ramp up, there will be a lot of industry movement and 'everyone will be hurt/disappointed' a bit in the integration from the most senior AA pilot to the most 'senior' jB pilot. Junior will still be, and always be junior.) Having run the numbers, I would have a better career - make more money in the long run, have better health care for my family, a better funded retirement, access to a base that's closer to home, etc. etc.

Chances of a civil discussion on integration? Slim to none. In an actual integration? Years of bitterness. Probably. But, I think that everyone on all sides of any fence will have time to heal - and still have very lucrative careers.

Overall, I think that we are all hoping for the best at Blue. I don't think that anyone believes (Except the most blind juicer, selfish pilot only looking out for #1 in the short term, or BoB) that 'organic growth' is the future. Nor does anyone believe that the CEO of B6 isn't interested in running AA.

I, myself, am worried about my future... I have had multiple furloughs/bankruptcy in my career. And... I'm still what most would call a 'young person.' (Although, try explaining that to my grey hairs...) We are a good group overall... sure we have our 5%'ers. But, as a whole we like coming to work. We do our jobs very well... both from a safety standpoint and a 'customer service' aspect. As a group of 'angry pilots' - it's not so much... having spent years commuting to multiple bases all over the USA I've ridden in a lot of bitter cockpits at a lot of different carriers. I don't see that as much here. (And trust me, I can moan and whine like a old timer when I get going.) Please don't listen to all of that 'it's better than Mesa talk.' There is a whole generation of pilots coming up through the ranks that have cut their teeth with the Johnny O's, Uncle Hulas, Chuck C., Brian B. and every other lying cheating scumbag penny-pinching profiteering out for themselves and regional manager/CEO out there. We may not have been there at Continental in '83, United in '85, or Eastern in '89 - but we learned our craft under some pretty bad conditions and have our own special brand of scars and shared experiences. When the time comes, we will be there standing behind you to stand with you and stand up for what is right. Things like scope, pay, benefits, retirement... we all watched as the bean counters chipped away at the foundation and are here with you to hold up the house - for our careers and yours. Trust me, from the bottom looking up, you do learn what's important. (Even though there is a vocal minority of whiny Gen Y'ers and Millennials out here. Try to ignore them.)

I wouldn't mind being merged with the ranks of American Airlines. In a way I would welcome it. (Except for that one gate agent in REDACTED who can REDACTED my REDACTED and then flip it over and REDACTED it in his REDACTED till REDACTED comes out of every REDACTED hole in his body. Thanks again for costing me two days away from my family because you didn't want to do YOUR REDACTED JOB for two REDACTED minutes instead of chatting it up with your boyfriend you REDACTED pile of REDACTED. But, thanks to you, I go out of my way to make sure that I NEVER leave any commuters behind. So, even though you REDACTED me through your laziness and inaction, your behavior helped countless of other pilots get home to see their loved ones.)

Back on topic... I would like the protection of being a 'young person' - with years left in my career - and the satisfaction of being a pilot at a legacy carrier with the projected seniority growth that is forecast between now and 2030. The funny thing... even with a staple or integration with your group - I would upgrade roughly about the same time. Roughly about the same time that I would upgrade at B6. (Taking a 'snapshot' of today and projecting it into the future.)

Overall the 'junior' B6 pilots would probably look at a merger as 'winning the lottery.' As long as there are some job/career protections that come with the said merger. Treat us fairly, and do what's right... welcome us into your cockpits and you will be pleasantly surprised with what our group can bring to yours. (Minus that 5% of course. )