I think the current contract situation has changed the dynamics for a good portion of the incoming folks.

If I lived in ORD or DEN and I was junior at DL, I would leave for UA even with the contract crap we are dealing with.

If I lived in ATL or SLC and I was junior at UA, I would leave for DL even if I believed that the contract crap would get resolved soon.

Where it gets interesting is for the folks that live in LIT or MCI or TUL or someplace like that. I think a year ago, UA was the clear choice over DL. Now I think DL is the clear choice over UA. Funny how this industry makes the obvious choice seem pretty stupid a short time later. Reminds me of a story my Captain told me when I was new at TWA. Said at the beginning of '67 he had a job offer from TWA, UA and AA. It was the easiest choice he ever made! It was completely wrong, but was easy. You will know when you retire (or die) whether you made the right choice, for now just do the best due diligence you can, talk it over with your significant other, and then hang on for the ride!

If a new guy/gal has decided that the grass is greener somewhere else, I wish them nothing but good luck. If it is hard for airlines to keep their pilots, that is good for us all in the long run!!