I can't say that some of the situations described above did not happened to some poolies but the question of the pool was asked during indoc in the class which started a few days ago, and this is straight from the hiring manager's mouth. Those who have received a pool letter will get a class, but not necessarily first in first out. Right now, they are trying to match the experience of pilot being hired with the growth of the company. What this means is if you have international experience in heavy aircrafts, you will most likely be call to class and never see a pool letter. As for those in the pool, they liked you at the interview and want you to join the team, but do not necessarily think you are the best fit for the aircrafts with opening. Because of the 727 situations, there will likely not be anyone call for SO slots (panel sitting) and until they know where all the 727 displacees go (most likely to be all domestic slots), there will be limited slots available for those not going to the MD-11 or upcoming 74-4. I know this is one big run-on line...but hope it helps alleviate some anxieties in the prospective work force.