While you are all joking about this small by comparison story...

[Colonel Savage]

If they lied during to the investigators during the interviews, that was their biggest mistake as far as trying to mitigate their punishment. We all knew it would be if they tried it, and so did they before they answered any questions.

 

[rumrnr78]

...you fail to realize that these two pilots are HUMAN BEINGS with a VERY LONG record of experience that was untarnished until now. Whether or not you feel you are infallible (and never did anything but stare at controls on your every flight)...have some $%^&&()g compassion if only for the fact that these guys just lost the only (non transferrable) career they have ever known, and none of your ignorant anonymous message board bashing can compare to what they are probably internalizing on their own right now.
Let's hope your ALPA people are insisting on in depth counseling for these guys. There has been enough sorrow in this economy when people think they have lost everything...nevermind seeing the whole world (AND THEIR PERFECT FELLOW PILOTS) against them.
These guys' lives aren't jokes... They didn't kill anyone (not even close)...don't be part of the lynch mob that could "kill" them.
Think about it.

Sorry,but their actions could have killed someone. Enjoy your American cacoon of ATC hand-holding. Overseas, an easy mid-air is possible if not likely! They were so derilect of duty they deserve to have their tickets pulled! There is no excuse for their behavior based on "their side of the story". Two less arseholes in my way of a career is how I look at it.
Grow a pair and hold those two pilots to account!!!!
Cheers-