OR, is it possible that they have learned their value and know that the company can't easily replace 20,000 of them on a whim if and when they move down the RLA path?

Nobody seems to consider the possibility that the company may need a deal done worse than the labor groups here.

They MAY very well end up worse. They also may very well end up better if/when the company puts a couple cherries on top just to get it to pass, at the cost of a couple months.

It's POSSIBLE, but fear, uncertainty, and doubt are much easier mindsets to peddle. FUD makes decisions, and the resolve needed for some decisions, much easier handle!