I wasn't there but...
...I sincerely doubt Tom Moore said a word about UAL being pissed at ACA for the motion on the contract affirmation. It's business and ACA did not try to force UAL into paying affirmed rates, we simply wanted to know. Air Wisc filed the exact same motion to be heard sometime soon. That leaves SkyWest as the only major CRJ carrier that is still in UAL's good graces. Shoot, I better get them a resume.
It's true that without contract concessions (both with UAL and our pilot group) ACA will have a hard time growing under any banner. However, I believe our pilot group will agree to concessions (we need to compete with the bottom dwellers unfortunately) and UAL's recovery plan, when unveiled, will include more RJ routes. I expect ACA to get it's share of those.
Maybe it's rationalization since I'm getting furloughed next week, but I tend to think the company will grow again within 1-2 years (or so). ACA, like all other CRJ operators, has to grow or it will die. An aging fleet, and aging pilot group, etc. all cost more and more money.
If UAL pulls through in any form, ACA, Air Wisc, and SkyWest will all benefit IMHO.