I've got to agree. I've never flown SOPA/SMAC so I can't comment on it. I'm sure if there was a "slam dunk" answer on which procedure was better there would be data galore to support that conclusion from both pre-merger airlines operating history (operational errors, deviations, ASAP, FOQA, etc.) I am still optimistic that over the next couple of years our procedures will continue to evolve to "best practice."

I do find it interesting that one of the main protagonists in this discussion talking about Delta standardization is on one of the two aircraft fleets with zero cross pollination. All the training and check airmen he is exposed to are the same as they've always been, just the book they're operating under is different. On another forum I see plenty of compliments for both pre-merger operations from those that have been cross-pollinated. Maybe after the fences come down Carl can find some value...