I wouldn't characterize it as being " all worked up", but it's good that their rates went up as it only helps our cause.

Now, some seem to commonly compare rates like we're measuring our d**k, forgetting all the while our rules are above average (or course we'll be losing a little advantage with DL). My effective rate for my first year was almost $68 an hour, actual pay divided by flying. Obviously not everyone can use the contracts advantage or play games and I agree we shouldn't always have to. I personally would rather sacrifice on the rate a little so as to always take advantage of what we have in rules. Imho, that would be an easier sell than trying to achieve a +40% rate gain for most of our rates. And I think wall street would like it better as well as they have no idea of the money in our rules. Of course there will have to be a healthy balance for the difference of being a commuter and those living in base, not forgetting that we're always just a day away from being a commuter again.

That's just my opinion and maybe I'm just smoking crack. Of course I'm always open to a better way to skin the proverbial cat.