A lot of pilots match the wide net you just cast, that would be far from whatever you think the "inner circle" is - myself included.
We have over 600 committee volunteers, and the VAST majority go about their work quietly. I know Shiz well, and your attempt to discredit him on the basis that he has worked, and continues to work on the group's behalf is off target.
If you want to take issue with his math, then fine, but I'm sorry to disappoint you - he is not a member of some sinister club hell bent on "lowering your expectations." If you ever meet him in person you will quickly realize we need more guys like him if we're going to get the results we want.
To channel my inner Shiz:
1. Have you all done you survey yet?
2. Are you giving at least $5/paycheck to PAC? (Even our newbies are contributing to the PAC at a HIGH rate)
3. Do you regularly engage your reps?
4. Have you done the TWO Calls to Action that are waiting for 30 seconds of your time?
ALPA On the Issues
If 12,087ish pilots would just complete the 4 simple items above, we would be a lot closer to achieving what you, 88 Driver, Jerry, Shiz and I all want. Believe it or not we're all on the same team here.