Cherry picking? Really? How stupid do you think the company or the NMB are? Defined contributions are direct cash payments to your retirement accounts. As I said before, if you don't think it has any value, then send me the money. Otherwise, quit trying to pretend it has no value. Where do you think the money to make those contributions comes from? The DC Fairy? Or the company? Why don't you ask some 28 year old new hire whether he values the 15% DC or not.

Look, I understand all the rules of webboard arguments and your talking points. If you want to negotiate in the real world with real adults, then you need to pull your head out and understand that going from 6% DC to 15% DC is just the same as getting a 9% pay raise. If you try to pretend that it doesn't have any value, then real adults will look at you as if you are insane.