"In any case you obviously have a bone to pick with DAL because the advent of unlimited jumpseats on major airlines is only a recent change."
No bone to pick, I never use DAL so no skin of my back what y'all do. If you want to leave someone behind, even though you have open seats, that is your choice, as for me, I will continue to do everything I can to accomodate all jumpseaters. I like being able to make somones life easier and I feel bad if anyone gets left behind.
"When setting these new policies, you also have to deal with other employee groups that don't quite understand why a pilot should be able to ride on another airline's airplane for free when they have to pay. Pretty easy to justify when the courtesy seat is in the cockpit but the unlimited free-for-alls in the cabin are a little tougher."
Will it be easier to explain to them that SWA and AA is okay, but not everyone else? Seems to me, they would be upset either way.
Your airline, your policy, that is just the way it is. I find it silly, but that is just me.
As for unlimited, yes, it is only recently that this change has been made, but I bet you, that most commuters are most appreciative and darn happy it happened. Since none of us appear to be getting raises, this change, brought on by pilots at many carriers, has improved the QOL for commuters.
Heck AA and SWA just signed an agreement for the Flight Attendants, I am sure they are thrilled and I know F/A's from all airlines love being able to ride on my airline.