Timbo, it would be tough to contrast 2004 to now because the DB plan was underfunded and then it was hit by early retirements. To give you an idea I read a financial statement from AA and in one quarter they were dumping 300-500 million into the DB plan under Arpey. Granted that was likely all employees but I'd bet pilots were half of that. I bet the DB plan alone cost $100/hr to run per pilot. People tend to WAY under estimate the financial investment to generate six figures of income during retirement, even during downturns.

I agree the company doesn't care, it is important for pilots lurking this thread, even at other airlines, to have an idea.