Macdaddy -
First of all, AMR managers don't undergo lobotomies. They are schooled in business, finance, and labor relations . . . and are good at it - much better than you or I are. In the end, it all comes down to money, however. While some young/inexperienced pilots still hold an illusion that the aviation profession is "special," you should know that managements consider you cost units, period dot. Might as well be bus drivers, and I don't care if it's SWA, JB, or UAL. BTW, in my personal opinion, Seigle's plan is to turn U into a regional airline with much lower employee compensation. He's trying to lower the bar on the professional compensation, as are all the airlines, by using 9/11, at least while they can.
Secondly, you are either seriously delusional or a company shill if you think that if we acquiesed lower wide-body pay, the company would raise AE pay or integrate a AE into AAL. They have 12 more years of being able to whip AE pilots with no interference, and the AE pilots themselves gave AMR the whip.
Thirdly, if you think asking for the "moon" in opening negotiations hurts the APAs credibility, you obviously don't understand the negotiating process. What do you think company openers look like?
"ALPA, APA MECS at all the big airlines should embrace this idea before Southwest, Frontier and JetBlue type operations get any larger."
I don't understand what your point is with that statement. You're going to need to be less cryptic. I'm just a ignorant "overpaid" widebody pilot - something I'm sure you're trying to professionally avoid.
Surplus:
"I notice that since ALPA couldn't get enough cards, they have now switched to the merger plan to get you on board. Looks like you may be joining the country club after all, eh?"
By "merger" do you mean the APA's proposal for AE integration? If so, I don't think there's any corolation there.
As far as ALPA goes, there is significant support among some APA members to explore reaffliliating with ALPA, but most feel the timing is not right . . . right now. In a few years, I think it could be a real possibility. Personally, I'm not in favor of it, but I wouldn't fight it if a majority of my union brothers wanted it.