My .02..

I know most of you KNOW this, but in case you don't (maybe those new to the industry), most airlines are run with the bottom line and NOT employee welfare / longevity / retention in mind (exception SWA) -- ESPECIALLY legacies such as AA. As I see it, AAG may not stop the flow but they sure as h__ aren't going to bend over backwards to flow their cheap labor (i.e. YOU) to a much more costly position. As someone here said, it's not personal, it's business -- and that's the problem when bean counters run your company.

Want a history lesson? Read up on AA's version of "shared sacrifice" (yes I know that was "old" AMR, but if you think that mentality has changed just because AMR and US Airways are one big happy family, I think you need to open your eyes just a bit more).

Secondly, it seems to me that the dangle-the-carrot trick has worked very effectively for retention. Just keep the promises coming and people will stay. Keep making the promises, throw in some money here and there and bring on more "fresh perspectives" to replace those who find out that the promises made are not being kept, and Viola! It's all good and all you've done is swept a few crumbs off the table to whet the appetite for that juicy steak everyone thinks their going to get.

The thing is I think a lot of you guys project your own good motives on to AAG -- fine, but I don't think it's reality because AAG will NEVER think like you, do nor do as you would.

I hope you guys keep your options open is all I'm saying.

Cheers.