You have to consider what they *could* do with any new rules. People tend to look at how new rules would affect their current trips, but the company can and will adapt pairing construction to changes in rules.

One place I worked started really loading up the last day after 117 went into effect, on the premise that you'd be less likely to call fatigue, and more likely to take an extension on go-home day. They also made sure you didn't turn through base either.