So what's the explanation for why they still chose to paint it on our MAX?

Your a smart dude, I bet you could read the tea leaves, if you really wanted. Barring anymore hiccups, I would bet you will be able to read it in plain English by February. Who knows though, until the Max is certified, nothing would surprise me.

No airliner has had worse press than this one since the comet.
I’m sure it will all work out fine.

How many is the real question. If the entire Bus fleet of 73 planes is going to be replaced over 5 years, hopefully there's an order for at least 100 MAXes.

The DC10 and Concorde probably were worse. Also the Boeing 737 which kept crashing while they denied there was a problem with the rudder.

Lockheed Electra too

https://www.amazon.com/Electra-Story.../dp/B0734ZYBV9

Obviously, if they call you and release you early from your RAP, that's one thing. I've found they hate to make those kinds of pro-active decisions, however. If they put something on your line while you're in rest, don't acknowledge it. Let them call you the second your zone begins then next morning, and mention how garage parking would sure help the situation. It's a win for everybody.

But it’s “never cost a mainline pilot their job”.

Care to predict another date for us, oh wise one?

By the way, if AS decides to park 73 perfectly good airplanes and spend the time, money, and energy just to replace them then this company is pretty much done.

Southwest has 25% growth planned for the west coast. And Alaska will be rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Lease returns are happening, I believe 1 this year and 2 next year. The bulk of leases are up in 2021-2024. The cost, time, and training can be negligible if Boeing is willing to play ball to win a large order after the MAX is certified to fly again.