Pure speculation Tom. I think Grinstein is being a bit too proactive in his public stance. He is going out of his way, in the public forum, to say no mergers. He could just go the quiet route and still answer questions if asked. But, he is coming out and saying no mergers. That puts his reputation at risk, and he wants to have a "'legacy" it seems as the "savior of Delta."
Bye Bye--General Lee
Who needs to merge when the airline can be sold outright. Remember TWA.