Joe,
Those regional pilots opting to stay and make the regionals their career is what is killing this business model. You cost to much.
A flow will try to get the "dead wood" to move up so they can reset the seniority. It is a great cost savings measure, and is the only reason I can see DAL management going a long with that notion. (Money means more than control over hiring limits and qualifications)
I got one for you. I do not like this whole idea of a flow for many reasons. 1) It will reset the DCI costs and once again promote outsourcing, 2) Pilots that are on the DCI list from DAL are not subject to disciplinary action at the regional effecting their mainline employment rights, 3) In the event of a merger using the LCC arbitrated award those pilots on the regional list were stappled, totally effecting career expectations and 4) it is a poor substitute for recapturing fliying and keeps a B scale of the hands of DALPA.
Now you want DAL guys to the bottom of the list. I say, I do not care where I sit, as long as I make what I was making the day I walked of the DAL property. That means that as a year three or four DC-9/88 FO I would get paid 88 to 90.28 an hr to sit in you right seat. Now that sounds fine by me. Been there done that. Add to that, I continue to accrue longevity and my pay goes up per the DAL CBA. It is not about where you sit, I could care less if I am a CA or an FO for a temporary job.
Now, it response to why I care. I am in little fear of furlough. It has to do with the people below me and protecting their rights, income potential and career expectations. It is not all or mostly about me. It is about the group I am part of. I want what is best for the plug and what is best for numero uno in the list.