You are dead on correct sir...DOJ understands this whole concept as well. This is exactly the reason the deal will not materialize due to competition reduction. With a democratic congress in favor of labor and competition the deal is "DOA".
I do not think this merger is going to happen. I'd rather see the time money and effort going into this futile merger be spent on investing in and getting the CURRENT airline running properly.
Delta neither needs nor wants US Airways, so get over it and move on.
Meanwhile the ship is taking on water.
Oh well........