I doubt anyone expects former YX guys to just "suck it up" and move on. However, depending on the outcome of the SLI a majority of them could (should) end up with E-Jet CA positions worth 65K and up a year. Perhaps even back in MKE. By no means does that replace what has been destroyed; realistically, though, how many positions in other fields are available with anywhere near that income level with zero recent experience (I promise you if you have an engineering degree, for example, but have been flying jets for the past 15 years you're well out of the running for most positions).

If RAH pilots can convince the EXCO to work quickly towards a decent SLI, then you can get 300 plus experienced guys on the list, and with a chance of fairly quickly salvaging some semblance of their former lives. Or, they can stay away out of principle, continue to blame the RAH pilots instead of management, and leave the fight to someone else.

PS I agree there is a zero percent chance any former could, or should, accept a crappy SLI with a 23K per year FO job waiting. At that point you actually are better off at Home Depot. My 2 Cents only.