American, United, USAirways, Delta, America West, and Alaska all "gave up" their 76 seat flying long before NWA pilots did. Do you really think it was going to stay on the NWA property? Remember, the original threat at NWA was all flying 100 seats and below was going to NEWCO. I don't want to get into wether that threat was real or perceived, but there were enough of pilots who believed it was real.This made holding on to the 100 seat flying a major focus of the negotiating commitee.
Right or wrong, this is an industry that plays follow the leader in many ways, and scope is one of them. I personally hate RJ's and would prefer to see 76 seaters on the NWA property. With the "shortage" of qualified pilots(300 hours and a multi-engine rating doesn't count), I would love to see NWA take some or all of the 76 seat flying and put it back on the property. It would be a great way to maybe attract some of the more qualified pilots, and not lose them to ASA, Comair, Express Jet etc. I'm not holding my breath on this one though.