There is no law saying you have to trade one for another. You are simply making false arguments given by ineffective negotiators and mediocre speculation. Literally everything is on the table. You could have had scope, pay, and rules if you wanted it bad enough. The problem is that most JB are jellyfish when it comes to self respect. Too many defeated regional guys that seem to settle for less. That is the only difference between Delta pilots and you. You are losing because you already told yourself that you are a loser who does not deserve pay, scope, and rules. You are limiting yourself to a false view of reality by accepting mediocre airline status quo.