I agree with all of your points, logically it makes no sense, but I believe there is a greater dynamic, its called the banks, dollar velocity if you will, if you look at who is owed money by who, you will see alote of the same names, they are at risk irregardless of external events oil price etc. So pulling capacity out of the mix thru combining companies represents less risk. Tilton and company believe that UAL can currently do a deal to buy anyone in the industry, crazy, yea no doubt but financeable. Banks, foreign capital, leasing companies all want it. And once it begins in earnest AMR, whats left of DAL,NW,CAL will all join in. So the good old employees WILL be left holding the bag when the thing implodes. Very profitable for everyone except the employees.