Nailed it.

The point was that the way it was done let MG dictate the terms. This is really quite simple. The AAY pilot group is in a struggle to obtain a decent quality of life. At this point, that's going to involve playing by the rules of the game. From our point of view, we just can't afford to make mistakes, especially ones that can damage morale and motivation of the pilot group by opening up the suggestion of backroom deals. The topics discussed, and whether or not they were legal, have no bearing on this discussion. The real damage done will be in the form of lack of pilot faith in its leadership, and that is a view shared by many.

Was this just another Kabuki dance that we've fallen for?