One thing I’ve not seen mentioned re hypothetically eliminating the GS trigger: I believe it would make it much more difficult to drop trips (ie, would lead to far less coverage / more “black” days).

Consider how much flying is done (at straight pay) by pilots just making it to the trigger, so their GS pays. If the trigger goes away, so does the incentive to fly a trip you don’t really want (but for its contribution to reaching the trigger). I’d bet the company believes this as well, which is why they’d never go for it….

Law of unintended consequences in full effect….