You seem to imply a giddiness that the APA could be fined. Problem is, AA pilots are not doing anything wrong. AA pilots have been instructed by the VP of Flight to fly "aggressively safe" for months so as to ensure stressful conditions don't negatively impact safety. AA pilots are complying with that directive to the letter, especially now that AA pilots are under intense scrutiny from the FAA and explicit threat from management. Additionally, AA pilots are not doing anyone elses job, but only theirs and as dilligently as possible as their certificates may be on the line. Since they aren't being fairly compensated for their own duties, I think that expecting them to accomplish others is an unreasonable demand.

I would think one of the things they'd have to do, is make a request of the FAA that they approve pilots to look the other way on valid mechanical discrepancies, conducting themselves in that area subjectively or operate airborne with lessor margins in the interest of keeping the airline "on-time" ?

All this is, is another ill-timed dumping of gas on an aleady blazing inferno and has alienated even more pilots against them. IMO, the UCC better get control of these people before this place turns into Eastern. Of course, with Lorenzo's old guard in the box seats calling many of the plays, I wonder if thats the plan ?