It does matter. Even if it's a signing bonus that is the exact same dollar amount as 100% Retro, it still matters.

It's about setting a precedent. For all future negotiations for all Pilot Groups. It's about making 100% Retro industry standard.

If it's labeled as a "signing bonus," then the concept of signing bonuses continue to be industry standard. In the future, managements can offer whatever sub-standard bonuses they want, because that's the way it's always been done. Were NK pilots happy with their previous signing bonus? I wasn't here yet, but I get the impression that you weren't. Were all you ex-regional pilots happy with your signing bonus after a prolonged 5-8 year negotiation and whipsaw process?

If Retro becomes standard, then more pilot groups can demand it with less pushback from the company.

Why is this so hard to understand?