Sorry, but I disagree. I don't expect my rep to act as the puppet of the pilot group. I expect him to learn much more about the circumstances surrounding our careers and future prospects than I ever care to, and to use that knowledge to advance my career to the greatest extent possible and along the lines of my desires. To the extent that he does not meet my goals and/or expectations, I expect him either to adequately justify his actions or step aside.

That is the true essence of a representational democracy.