It's also been brought to my attention that FDX has gone thru many periods in their history where they chose to operate lean --- very lean. Thus, the company may accept lower manning levels for an extended period of time to protect themselves from a double-dip recession.
You mean like proposing that Airbus and 757 Captains be dual-qualified so that they can fly the right seat during undefined 'temporary' periods of undermanning? Isn't that like the reverse of WN's Lance captain deal?