Mesabah is right, love the avatar btw. DL knows how this game works and is covering the bases with the small payroll cost. Is it right? Doesn't matter. DL is an airline and a bigger business. It makes sense, proven by performance, so they can and will do what is needed to ensure the product label. As a shareholder, it makes complete sense, as a passenger, it would show commitment (if they knew), as an employee, it can be frustrating but is at least understood. For another DCI, it's only an expense that may or may not be covered in the ASA/CPA agreement.

Until you look at the "big picture" nothing makes sense. DL owns endeavor and it's a very cheap insurance policy to cover anything falling through the cracks... in that scenario there will always be some who feel screwed, but that's business. DL is in the game to make money. As soon as that is forgotten everything will collapse on all 3 levels (business, shareholder, employee).

The only saving grace is movement, which has been happening rather quickly. A guy I trained earlier this year is bidding #1 in a NY base. That used to be many years on the job and I guarantee he isn't complaining, other than the fact that upgrade is still "just a couple" months away. Take a step back and look at the big picture. Our contract could be amazing for QOL on reserve, and all aspects of the seniority range, but it would take out the last minute coverage of a number of issues impacting DL's performance. We are the end options if/when things go south. Cheap to insure.

I could say "pay your dues" but someone will always be able to claim a hardship... and here we are full circle. I can affirmatively say that it could always be worse.