On the sale, you realize that the negotiations were not about selling the company, right? The negotiations were about a renewal of the Delta contract as a connection carrier. Up until that point Comair had a sweetheart deal that was very profitable for the company. The $300 + million in cash reserves were there specifically to support the company if they broke off from Delta. It was F.U. money to Delta. It was anticipated that if they went independent again a high percentage of airplanes would have been parked, the stock price would have tanked and going into the weekend they were completely prepared to do that. You also must remember that the stock had just split, dropping the priced down to the high teens if I remember correctly, so the sales price in the low twenties kept the carrier in tact, make everybody a crapload of money and didn't park any airplanes or lose any jobs. It was not a forced sale, the company wasn't for sale and it was not part of the original negotiations. It was simply an offer they couldn't refuse.
You've said a lot there; probably as much as you can say. While I might take issue with a couple of points they aren't important enough to argue about. However, that's not the entire picture. It is not that you've said anything wrong, just lots of omissions which I understand. But, I don't feel at liberty to say much more so we'll have to leave it there. Your painting is not inaccurate, it's just not complete. Suffice to say I've spent some time in the Oval Office and I know where the house boat was parked too.
I've been at this aviation thing for a long time now and I've yet to experience the same type of entreprenarial spirit we had there. It was truly a blast during that time. Enough for now.
I've been around the horn a few times myself. I agree that the entrepreneurial spirit was exceptional for 85% of the journey. I would argue that near the end it waivered just enough to make the difference. That however is just an opinion. Since that risk wasn't taken we'll never know what the outcome might have been. It could have been another resounding success, or a catastrophic failure. The decision was not to roll the dice. The rest is history.
Oh, and I respect your opinions... I was viewing out the window from within, rather than in the window from outside as most others did. It's a little different perspective. Enough for now.
For what it's worth I respect your opinions as well. I kind of think we're viewing through the same window and from the same spot. The perspective is different because some have the opportunity to view things from within and from without, at the same time. Very unique.
The view from within changes depending on when you're making your observation. Sometimes the view from within is clear; other times it's murky. The same is true of the view from without.
All the best.