I'm not sure exactly what anyone else is thinking, but I felt like the MEC's position was that, for it to become obvious that more $$$ was needed, pilots had to be offered the 19 hour leave option and not take it in sufficient numbers that they'd have to come up with something better.

From my perspective, as the commuter situation continues to deteriorate, even 19 hours might look generous in a few months, depending on how bad things get. Keep in mind, around 60% of us are commuters. I know many people coming from tier 2 cities that aren't hubs that have essentially lost daily air service.