NEDude

For that to be true you would have to argue that the loss of free trade treaties would be beneficial to travel and the global economy. You would have to argue that U.S. airlines have received no benefit from treaties such as Open Skies (e.g. Delta's access to Heathrow vs. being stuck at Gatwick). You would have to argue that it would be beneficial to the profession to have thousands of experienced pilots lose their overseas contracts and flood the unemployment lines in the States. Clearly it would be absurd to make those arguments. So no, we cannot agree on that. At best or worst, it is a double edged sword.

Edit:
The simple fact is that a healthy economy and high demand for travel has by far the greatest impact on the positive health of the airline industry and the piloting profession. Weak economies and shrinking demand for travel is by far the greatest factor in creating a poor airline industry and piloting profession. To argue that any other factor plays anything more than a tiny fraction of a role in the industry and profession is just plain silly and ignores the history that has been prevalent since the de-regulation of the industry nearly 40 years go. A few dozen American pilots flying 787s for Norwegian will have ZERO impact on the American piloting profession, absolutely none. And you are foolish if you believe otherwise.