Well, they can furlough a bunch more to reach the limit of guys not on the protected list.
Why is ASA the only other DCI expected to feel the pain (Comair) of the 50 seat loss? Why not add Pinnacle, Mesaba and CHQ to the list...
Also, Delta still needs feed. They are not replacing 50's with more 70's/90's, so it stands to reason that not such a drastic amount of 50's can/will be shed! Delta needs the hubs fed, and right now the 50 does the bulk of this feeding. Take it FWIW.