So Superpilot, Tell me how you would have handled this situation to provide the most benifit to the pilot group. Keep emotion out of it and tell me what you would have done and what the end benifit to the pilots would be?

Who's opinions are represented at the DALPA? This confirms to me that either the junior DAL pilot opinions carry absolutely no weight OR the majority of DAL pilot views are not represented on this forum because all the fervent talks amongst DAL pilots on DAL thread had me believe that the majority of DAL pilots wanted to push hard to recapture 76 seat RJ flying starting with stapling Compass guys on the DAL list.

Someone on DAL thread said Lee Moak told him RJ flying is good for DAL. That sounds like a direct quote from the DAL top management. That being the case, it sounds like the DALPA union leadership follows the direction of the DAL management closely. If this is true then the idea of recapturing 76 seat RJ flying back to the DAL mainline is just a pipe dream. Only hope for any regional pilot to get the chance to get hired by DAL is IF and WHEN DAL starts to expand globally and adds more mainline jets.

Does that mean DAL will resume hiring or is DAL now more than adequately staffed?

Probably staffed until at least mid 2010.

So lets do a fact check:
76 seat Aircraft for Dci
Pinnacle 16
Mesaba 41
Compass 36
Comair - 14
ASA - 10
SkyWest - 24?
Shuttle America - 12?
Total of 153
Correct anything that is wrong but these are aircraft already on on property or being delivered by june. There should not be any more awards until more mainline aircraft.
DCI = The ultimate whipsaw

Sad but true. I think there will be a one continuous whipsawing after another amongst all the DCI carriers. 10 to ASA is a prime example. Who's next? Your guess is good as mine. It should be an interesting year. I am mentally prepared for the never ending roller coaster ride.
I also think DAL will either trim down or merge some wholly owned ones which will effectively reduce the number of DCI carriers to fewer that what they have now.

S5 has 16 dedicated aircraft to DCI.

There shouldn't be fighting for more aircraft since the 153 number has pretty much already been met.

Another great example as to how worthless ALPA really is!

Wrong, unfortunately. Republic operates 86 seat Emberarers for US Airways. Granted they don't have first class but still the seats......