Step 1: elect Carl's friends
Step 2: doesn't matter.

This is a power struggle. The TA is an inconsequential backdrop for the guys who want to be in charge. It's been going on for over 11,000 posts, +/- some excellent underboob. DPA, C2012, whatever:

it's. a. power. struggle.

You can take just about any situation going several years back, and interchange the posts: they all say the same thing.

The real questions are 1) can the guys actually doing the work can get the best outcome possible with Carl's friends rehearsing speeches in front of the mirror instead of studying the information, and unable to make actual decisions, 2) do the guys actually doing the work have the right read on the situation, and 3) is there really a deal to be had early that works for the Delta pilots?

Oh, and if you're, say, a Delta pilot waiting to express your view via a vote, or looking for an exchange of perspectives on specifics, sit down in the back of the room, and try to keep your mouth shut, so as not to interrupt the power struggle. Carl will tell you how to vote.