One could posit that it's easier to shrink a large operator than to grow a smaller one. Growing an airline costs time and money. Two things to be carefully considered especially in an environment where human resources have been significantly scaled back. Contracts, including property leases, can and will be re-negotiated.

I don't think United is secretly conspiring against one company or another. The pilot group is only one piece of the labor puzzle and United will choose the operation that makes the best financial sense and meets the needs of United at the end of the day.