de72,
I agree with your assesment, but I wouldn't be surprised to see hiring before the contract is signed. I'm probably too optimistic. I bet we will see many of the 60+ guys bail regardless of the contract outcome and we will be caught with our pants down in terms of the ability to train FE's.
But the biggest point I agree with you on is the contruction cap. We gotta have it. Also, cut down the credit cap to reduce the amount of open time pick up. I feel those two things would most significantly impact hiring in the short term after the new contract is signed. We will definitely be growing and hiring, the question is how long will it take.
Regards,
WG