I have to be fair: I have no intention of discovering the nuances of the legal system to argue the specifics. This is because I think USAPA has long ago lost the moral and legal high ground. If finding small technicalities gives you sollace, and the illusion of being right on some minor issue, then good for you. It's a research project I won't participate in.

I don't envy the East pilots. It's a very hard thing to admit UsAir was driven into the ground a long (long) time ago. It's a hard thing to admit that you were taken over by America West. It's a hard thing to admit that the West pilots had a chance of being around, but you probably didn't. As such, it's hard to concede that you neede to make hard choices, and compromise in arbitration.

Unfortunately, any attempt to delay this ultimate recognition only pushes the East group into more and more neurotic behavior. Meanwhile, and as you fail to accept this painful truth, you actually somehow manage to make it worse.

I'm sorry this industry is where it is, and I'm sorry you're on the bottom end of this sorry state of affairs, where even highly organized, and very unified groups don't get much at all. And since wallowing in your filth can't possibly result in a unified group... I think your destination is painfully clear.