Alder, Section 8.C.1.a.1 states "1. Deviating Operating Procedures

a. Notification
i. A pilot shall notify the Company through VIPS of his intention to deviate from a scheduled deadhead at the beginning of a trip. This notification shall occur no later than 60 hours prior to the showtime of the scheduled deadhead."

So I am not making a big deal about checking boxes, I am complying with my responsibilities under the contract. Just because it is your opinion that there is nothing to arbitrate doesn't make it so. You already said scheduling is giving pilots trouble with this and telling them that they deviated, so they are on there own.

In my example of a DH from MEM to ATL, you said that I can un-deviate if I change my plans. So, I show up to the airport in MEM and the flight from MEM to ATL is cancelled. So you are saying that scheduling is required to help me out and I am pay protected on this trip even though I deviated just because I then decided to take the scheduled DH? Good luck with that.

My guess is that the company would say that the language you are quoting means that you deviated on the first leg as you told them in VIPS and that once you are in position for the second leg, you can check in. If you deviated both legs, then you are on your own. You are required by the contract to tell the company exactly how you intend to deviate at least 60 hours prior to the trip. No where in the contract does it mention changing your mind.

IMO, you are oversimplifying the contract language. Do what you want, but eventually you may get burned. If you do, just tell them that you want them to pay you anyway, because you don't see anything that needs to be arbitrated in a grievance. I'm sure they will roll over and agree. You are so much smarter than any lawyer that may try to cloud the waters.