Noserider,
Is is possible this is where the mediated negotiations were heading? Is it possible DALPA couldn't "agree" to this negotiated settlement to save face with there membership? Is it possible this was a way to introduce it in arbitration so it could be a method to award the new list? Is it possible the dynamic was basically agreed to in mediated negotiations, but the category/ratio positions were not quite ironed out? Dec 8 just may answer these questions to the affirmative.
You asked, "Do you really think our side didn't move because of fear of retribution?"
Answer: Yes, it is quite possible your side did not want to give the appearance of caving.
Best,
Schwanker