Why staple Mesaba? Is there any logic behind these pipe dreams or is it just wishful thinking?

How about this picture. USAirways or United fall into more financial trouble and in bankruptcy the pilots are forced to accept another consessionary contract where they give up scope on 100-120 seat aircraft. The regionals grow and mainline shrinks to trans-con 757s and wide body international only. The regional whipsaw continues, but the planes are just larger and regional pay will increase, but not monumentally. If you are lucky enough to get on with a major you will have it made, but it will take decades before they hire because they will be recalling furloughed pilots back after shrinking to half size.

This is awful grimm, but I think there is about as much chance of this happening as some of the other fairy tales.