But if only 15K employees took the LOA because they offered pilot SIL's net net they would lose money

We dont know how many pilots would have taken them if offered. UAL culled 1500 less than offered. I get it, so you have convinced me. Now I'm pizzed too. But I am not only upset with mgt, but also with the MEC. They got totally outfoxed. Whey they didnt get the provisions of the SIL's nailed down was a totally rookie move!