That's right! We have a better contract, and are in a better position to improve it. Blame ALPA for that.

We reference the other independents because their "success" at getting a better contract and protecting the profession should change this comment: "But I don't see where it could be any worse, and my judgment is that it is very likely to be considerably better."

Is your judgement based on their track record? Or is it based more on being the only alternative to ALPA? If it's the former, we have something to measure. If it's the latter, then you're going to have to come to grips with the measurements in the former.