You mean the same couple of (few) posters that have 10's of thousands of posts and I personally can never remember a positive perspective in one? :)

I actually agree with JamesBond here. I don't think these "penalties" will affect trip construction. There's a reason they're pay not credit. If it were credit it would count towards reaching the LCW, effectively making pilots fill up with less actual block. This pay no credit just means they're willing to pay a little penalty for now. I'm a yes voter because I like money, but I'm under no delusions that trips are going to magically get better. Maybe I'm wrong and long term the "optimizer" will adjust for the slight added cost of certain "penalties." This summer I highly doubt we'll see much change though.

Engage podcast had a good explanation from the negotiators as to why they took a PNC approach instead of focusing on credit. This was my concern prior to listening.

Not the least of which is the fact that PNC is paid above reserve guarantee.

I'll take a listen. I'm not complaining, I like pay :D especially as someone who bids reserve about half the year.