Nev,
DAL is slightly more competent than UAL, and DAL has traditionally been more in tune with SGU. UAL has been a cash cow for SGU, but that's just business. I have been involved with Skywest for quite awhile and watch from the inside. I don't trust any of them, they are all playing this from the inside. Does anyone think that the regional model was created by the regionals?
We are dealing in a multi-billion dollar a year business, and to think that it is being run un-planned and with random consequences is more than a little foolish.
I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I am not a randomness believer either. Entropy may rule the universe, but business, even one as poorly run as the airlines have human intervention and when you combine humans and money/power there is ample opportunity for shennanigans. Ask why, Occams Razor will lead you to the answer, or close. If Jerry and the kids haven't combined the 2 airlines ask the question, WHY? Then select the simplest answer possible. They have plans, devine what you may from available information.
Your version of morality, just might be different from Jerry's.
This whole industry makes the Enron guys look like amatures. Look up UAL ESOP and the pensions.
Meet your future.