I actually agree with you about the T/A, but would qualify that by saying the BPR now decides, as you Westies are so fond of saying, “just how big your part of the pie is.”
There indeed was no "benevolence" in the initial distribution determined by the MEC in Fall of 2006. Maybe a small amount of good will, but mostly good politics with the understanding a fight would only delay anyone getting their payout. The little general was already screaming for his share of the "pie," and that meant no change in proposed 190 rates, which the West MEC could not comprehend ever coming to PHX. Oh yeah, and the West thought they should get “more pie” because they did not have a PBGC retirement. This entire "pie" thing had been going on for a long time, a product of all the many mergers the West had been through in the past..as best I can figure.
As to the current proposed distribution, I applaud the Ad Hoc Committee. They also understand the newer, though no less disgusting, politics at hand and have proposed exactly the right thing to do.
None of you deserve a penny. But so far it looks like you will get it, benevolence or even goodwill be damned.
RR