When I was hired Delta had a DFW, MIA, and BOS base. No jumpseat and non-rev cost $15 per segment for employees with less than 10yrs of service. All reserves sat short call twice a day. So no, nobody commuted really. But now the world revolves around the commuter and their problems, or "post-PSC issues" as the thread starter says. Yes, the airline is probably going to shut down without the best and brightest new hires. Can you say "entitled"?

... and stay off my lawn!