NWA doesn't care about whipsawing anymore--that would be Delta's department now, since they are taking over. NWA is probably more concerned with making sure the merger happens, b/c it would be tough for them (or anyone) to go it alone in this environment.

Like lots have said before--regardless of what happens with this rumor, the bottom line is 9Es contracts with NWA and Delta are the "hardest" to tamper with compared to the wholly-owned of NWA and Delta. You can always screw your own wife, but it's harder to screw her sister.