No, I never interviewed at XJT. I'm just a realist. You had one of your coworkers who wrote an eloquent post about how great a product you guys provided to CAL. I merely reminded him that that fact was irrelevant when UAL fired AWAC and when UAL/ACA divorced. Additionally, look at Comair - they do a heckuva job connecting with DAL. But look at how little that's worth. Delta has in the last couple years signed up multiple regionals, including some not wholly-owned, like low-ballers CHQ or recently Mesa. Comair superior performance is irrelevant. The bottom line is the almighty dollar, and because Comair does a better job, they're more expensive, hence it makes sense for DAL to partner with Mesa. Expect them to grow much bigger on the DAL side over the next few years.
And also let this serve as a reminder as you get comfortable in your ERJ at COEX. Those who forget the lessons of history are condemmed to repeat its mistakes. It is just a matter of when CAL signs up another regional flying jets.
FCNelson