I'm confused. Why are we a failed group? Is it because we're exercising patience and allowing the process to work? Or is it because some choose to wear hats?

It seems like achieving the sweet spot in contract negotiations is a delicate matter, and we're dealing with the toughest in the business. Too aggressive and we overshoot our ability to look like the reasonable of the two parties. (which from what I understand is important when it comes to mediation, and future self help) ... Undershoot and we get a TA not worth having, but out of frustration has a high probability of being passed because the group just can't stomach current book any longer.

Either of these eventualities is a failure of sorts. The only win is right on the money (pardon the pun.)

In all honesty I am very concerned about an underwhelming TA, but at this point the only thing I can do is exercise a degree of trust and just keep communicating and participating as much as I can through valid channels.

It's all difficult and we're right in the thick of it now; and for this reason it's too early and overly dramatic to call us a failed group.