I think there is a big PR/"Branding" incentive for the company to not furlough - Delta can stand on the highest hill and shout far and wide that they are the only "Major" international carrier that didn't furlough anyone. That can be easily branded as "we care for our people," "our employees are better," "we simply are the best-run airline in the country." There is real value in that. Saying "we almost didn't furlough anyone" doesn't carry the same weight.

I'm willing to bet someone on the 4th floor has estimated the "value" of that statement, too. It is greater than Zero.