1. Skywest bought ASA because, as Jerry said, he could make money from Day 1. ASA has made money every year, except year one, since 1979.
2. Delta sold ASA because, if they hadn't, they would have not had the money to go into bankruptcy. Less cash, they sold ASA for about exactly what they paid for it in 1999. However, at the purchase by Skywest, ASA had over 100 more RJ's than they had in 1999 and a phenominal low cost order for more. And, don't forget about the transfer of control of the C gates. Jerry is smart--and rich off your backs and even richer off ours!
3. If Skywest had not bought ASA, Delta would not be flying today. But guess what? As a result, probably neither would Skywest. Although prior to the purchase, Skywest only did about 40% of Delta flying, had Delta retired, Skywest would have followed! From a revenue perspective, the Delta flying for Skywest is much more lucrative than the United. Every one had a vested interest in seeing Delta survive. It might be submitted that ASA was key to everyone's survival in this case because ASA had value. No one party should be beholding to any party in this matter. You all were on a sinking ship and all forced to get in the same lifeboat.
4. Your last point is a very important point! Carry this to your fellow pilots! I am a regional pilot or better put, I am a PILOT! ALPA represents all pilots, including me! I can honestly say, that my life is better today because of my affiliation with ALPA. I would also submit that your life is better today because of ALPA. In closing, ALPA represents my interests! I happen to be a PILOT that works for what is called a Regional Carrier (if you really buy the regional part.)
5. The Continental Express Pilots are considered regional pilots. Ask them if ALPA represents the interests of Regional Pilots. By the way, did you hear about their new agreement? Check out their new pay scales. They didn't get there because of the likes of SAPA! They got their because of two major reasons. The first reason is ALPA and the second reason is Unity!
6. Until the pilot groups of Skywest and ASA find a vehicle to provide Unity, they will be whipsawed! If I thought SAPA was the answer, I would join today! Maybe the real question you should ask yourself, is "does SAPA represent the best interests of the regional pilots at Skywest?"
7. Instead of pridefully pointing out our differences, we should humbly find our common interests and goals! Until we do that, we will never realize our potential in working together, but most certainly serve our master's intent of working apart and against each other. As long as there is an ASA, there will be a threat to Skywest Pilots. As long as there is a Skywest, there will be a threat to ASA pilots. Our master has no loyalty except to himself and his stockholders.