Prior to the merger, compass pilots were hired to NWA qualifications, now to Delta standards. That seems very reasonable, I don't see where the hostility comes from. I'm not attempting to spread half truths, and the extreme few without a degree, if there are any still, are competent pilots. I would have no problem putting my family on a compass airplane. I've flown with dozens of captains and I never felt unsafe. I also never pretended to be so superior to my peers as to ask for a diploma to verify their credentials. I may be mistaken, but you are a former compass captain (no disrespect if I'm incorrect in this assumption). If so then you should know that the qualifications to perform as a great captain (the position delta is hiring for) is nearly unrelated to the place of your collegiate beer drinking activities. Compass seats are filled with young guns, military jocks, and experienced ole' timers. Delta will benefit greatly from the new blood that will soon be interjected into their ranks.