Life - I'm not an authority, but to answer your questions:

1. Looks like all NY 7ER for 12/3. If you have, or get, that date it would be an appropriate question to ask Mr. B.
2. New hires will be placed in the positions that other pilots do not bid in the AE. But there is more to the process than that. Delta is placing some new hires in the more desired positions to avoid going short on the least desired positions. This also helps them avoid repeat training cycles. For instance, early 07 hires on the 88 in JFK were held as long as possible in New York while new hires were going straight to the 767 category in ATL. Currently they have only posted only 10 openings on the 767 in ATL. Consider there are around 80 to 90 pilots with 767 ATL bid, but 40 something of those openings have been filled by new hires in recent months.

It is logical that Delta would not want to staff NYC with all new hires. But, there are those of us wanting the Boeings in ATL, waiting, while new hires get "our" desired bid positions. With future advanced entitlements it will all work out in the wash.

In the future if Delta slows growth it could be a difficult wait while someone junior to you enjoys better trips and pay. Bid quality of life if that is your priority. If pay is your priority, probably better to bid it sooner rather than later.