Skywest dropping Delta (200/700/900/175) for the firm orders of 'prohibited' aircraft to fly for Alaska would result in 32% fewer airframes (22% if discounting the 200s on 120 day contracts). Depending on what the Alaska rate is dropping Delta is a business option (not a good one option but still an option).
I'm against scope relaxation or bigger aircraft but Skyw has a much clearer path to quickly replace Delta than Delta could quickly replace skyw. Keyword there was quickly.
I'm against all of this and don't think any of this will happen but the numbers do make it plausible.

Yes, it is the anti-competitor clause, however, what do you do with the gates Skywest owns in ATL. Skywest could lease them to American airlines.

As if AA is chomping at the bit for that? Nah. Not worried about it. Worst case DL loses all of the gates in question (highly unlikely that would happen) and could make up most of the capacity through upsizing and whoever wormed their way in would have to then slug it out in a two front war with DL and SWA who have found a highly symbiotic synergy.

If the alternative was to sit back and subsidize a megalomaniac rogue super jumbo RJ operator, they will find a way to pull the plug on them.

True, but I think your management has different goals than the pilot group.

I don't think they want that as the most desirable outcome. But if SKYW decides to force their hand, then the chips will fall where they may. Don't expect scope relief to accommodate SKYW's grand plans. It will not be achieved INMO with DL or UAL at least.

Not really, a loss of revenue from 30% of their fleet would quickly put Skywest out of business. Alaska is not going to take that flying and their new contract will almost certainly include restrictions. What you completely overlook is they would also loose their UAL flying.

This is the dumbest thread going. The MRJ options had stipulations on the jet meeting the current scope restrictions, if it doesn't meet them or they don't have a mainline partner that wants them on contract, then no obligation to convert the options to firm orders.
SKYW is not "stuck" with them, end-of-story.

Not really, a loss of revenue from 30% of their fleet would quickly put Skywest out of business. Alaska is not going to take that flying and their new contract will almost certainly include restrictions. What you completely overlook is they would also loose their UAL flying.

You might check on how gates are awarded in ATL. Skywest can quit using them but they go back to the airport to be reassigned.

Wonder if some of them are earmarked for JB's coming invasion.