I agree that if this prompted more people to desire mainline airplanes it would be a good thing. I also agree that Delta is never going to fly a MD-88 into GRR, CMH, LEX, etc. due to cost and all the reasons regionals exist in the first place. One solution may be the mainline operation of CRJ's ERJ's and the like. There's no law saying that the mainline can't operate them, and if mainline guys don't want to fly em, I bet I could find some furloughed regional pilots that wouldn't mind a seat on the mainline seniority list. I'm kinda doubt this is how it would work out, but it's nice to dream.