I've got nothing to back this up, but I could see NW mgmt signing a LOA with ALPA regarding some changes to the flow/seniority structure at NW. The 175s are going to be an integral part of the route system and we all know staffing is hard right now.

What could NW and/or Compass do to make the carrot look darn good?

How about you flow to NW (after 30months + Captain) at your actual years of service but still must start with a new NW seniority number. Looking at the pay scales for Compass and NW, that would entice many qualified guys to Compass (albeit, still not the guys who think they are/could be shoe ins at NW). A current Compass pilot loses on seniority integration at NW but wins in that he now has 2 viable long term options.