Ok.....I guess since nobody came up with this idea, I'll be the first one.
About 9E buying XJ, I've heard a rumor similar to that one, but who knows, "it won't happen 'till it happens...."

My guess is if this deal happens, PNCL corp will keep both certificates separate for a while. Why merge both pilot groups and give them more bargain power? If 9E strikes, XJ could pick up some of our flying. Legally, PNCL can't just transfer flying to XJ, but you know who can? NW, if they find a clause for 9E breaching their contract(with the strike). Also remember, NW has a ASA with XJ before the purchase, so there's not much that the UNION can do if PNCL corp.(as XJ's Holding corp.) and NW makes a new deal under the table.
Now this off course it's a little out there, but remember crazy things had happened before in this industry, and will continue to happen.
At this point we all know how nasty PNCL is willing to play.

This is just something that crossed my mind........ who knows what's going to happen but for some reason, this rumor, if true, doesn't make me feel much comfortable, and I'm sure XJ guys won't be much happy having PNCL corp. as their new "daddy"