Air California and AA did the whole merge of senority pretty well back in the early 90's(?)

I think the tag line was, "if you want to ride with the posse, you'd better bring a horse."

Meaning, if you brought a left seat job to the "party," that is what you would keep.

The same is true of everything else. If you came into the merger as a junior FO (from the east), even though you were hired in the eightes, a junior FO you remain. The system, as cruel as it is to these pilots, works.

Not saying its perfect, but its not far off.