"Very few pilots return to the line from LTD."

I'm not so sure about that. Cancer, heart attacks? Sure.

Tear an ACL, get diabetes, go to rehab, suffer a bout of depression, etc. There are many ailments out there that take awhile, but are not permanently disabling.

Don't think you can't be one of those that end up using LTD and DPMA. Or have to verify and/or release medical records. We all have that peril. Just saying.