NW was not Delta. They had a very static route system and basing situation unlike Delta. I don't think you would ever get marketing to commit to a system that required basing and flying forcasts on a monthly basis. Comparing the requirements and what is involved in staffing a airline from the old NW to the new Delta is not really valid. A monthly bid is basically unworkable when you have the degree of change we have going on. Its fine when you are replacing retired pilots and adding a few block hours here and there.