It was because CAL did not want to end up out in the cold...they needed to hook up with someone...they had a choice...and did not join up with AA.
CAL has no room to complain about UAL...they had a choice in the matter...period.
There is a reason for all of this...yet to be seen. Read the orginal post...usually alliance partners don't buy fuel together and share ticket counters, and the pilot unions are in an alliance together too....
Don't be surprised if they get soooo close that if they announce a merger...nothing seems different. It is cheaper to do it that way.
UAL guys seem to want the merger, CAL folks seem to be completely opposed......................? How come...I wonder who feels they have the most to lose?