If the 777A /744A is not replaced from below, then truly all we get is angels wings when a 777/747A retires. Right now, all we seem to be seeing is downward movement from the top as those positions downgrade if they dont retire and get their angels wings.
From a company perspective, up or down, it still generates training cycles. From our perspective, it prolongs stagnation while we see this flying outsourced to other carriers while our company, and our union seem quite willing to outsource this widebody flying while we are encouraged to take the domestsic leftovers.
Our chief competitors (UAL/AA) have far greater lift capacity in those categories than we have now or are forecast to have. Time will tell if flying that lift internally is the better option. Right now, it seems we will have to watch that play out as our "partners" do our heavy lifting.