If I were management and wanted more point to point international service from mid sized cities like IND and AUS and felt pilot costs would be excessive I would do as has been done in the past with the carrot approach. A signed order as a example for 30 787’s contingent on VB’s for ocean crossing. Perhaps 1 VB base for each 3 airframes delivered.
They won’t get it in the next contract just by asking for it nor does this test set any precident in the next contract. As I have mentioned much ado about nothing. VB’s will die a natural death.