Would those MCO FO's be happier if our 15 to going on 20 year former AT Capt's came over as Capt's (where they belong) instead.
Absolutely, since they wouldn't be as likely to be displaced in that scenario. Either way, they are screwed, but they are screwed worse with SL10 than they were with SL9.
They may be upset, but it's because of the senior FO, Capt seat grab that their QOL is suffering. I posed that question to a SWA FO riding the jump, (who was bitching openly to a stapled FO and about to downgrade Capt), and it finally dawned on him as to why things are the way they are. I couldn't believe that he hadn't figured out that these weren't AT FO's bumping him out.
Oh, they are intimately aware of why they're getting displaced. Most blame SWApA (as do I) for not pushing some sort or ROR (many in SWApA actually fought against ROR, because the senior vacation poachers, boat movers and seasonal carpet baggers would be more limited in their flexibility). They also ignored the root problem, which is our monthly -3/+1 vacancy bid BS. Most realize that the AT guys coming in on top of the FO lists are not to blame, although they are an easy target for some folk's ire.
As to the rest of your response, I'm glad to see our guys are enjoying themselves. It gives the rest of us hope that as sh!tty as things are getting on our side of the Mason-Dixon there will be some sort of silver lining. I will say though that the majority of folks coming next year are the ones that will suffer "juniority", commuting west, with no upgrade in sight, for a VERY long time. The praise that's being sung now will surely turn south a bit.
I hope that folks come over with an open mind. I truly believe that you'll like it over here once the dust settles. Before 9/27, WN was one of the most sought after jobs in the industry. We have our 10% too, but overall, it's a great group of folks. Everyone laughs at the "culture" BS, and so did I, after working at 7 other airlines prior to SW. The fact is that it is (or at least
was) different than anywhere else I worked. It is definitely being a little more strained these days, and not only because of the AT deal.
As unbelievable as it will seem to the FI braintrust, even the downgraded FAT guys are doing fine. Every one I have flown with have been great guys, happy here, and are making very close to the same or more $ than they were making before, with less days worked (their words). Some are making a lot more since they figured out how to game the premium open time system using their mega seniority in seat.
), would've preferred to be at SW vs. AT, given the choice. I've had lots of contact with AT folks over the years, and every one of them would've preferred to be at SW. I've written several letters for AT guys over the years and all would've come over had they been hired. 
