Originally Posted by eaglefly

Remember, this only applies if/when these aircraft are moved to mainline. As of now (and for the next several years), the whipsaw model will proceed and these aircraft will be flown by independent subcontractors and this model will only be abandoned when no longer viable.

In the mean time, look for meat to be dangled into the dogfight ring. The dog that fights harder and eats less and is a cheaper dog gets to keep his gig, the others go back to the cage where life isn't as good.