Adversarial ideology...not dollars and sense.
Not really. It is a cost base that can't be reduced. It isn't as easy to make pilots redundant as it is office or front-line staff, so, in managing this more restricted cost base - the best course of action is not NOT let it increase. Plus - as I have said before - if they conceed - it sets the precedent. That, must not happen. This is why they will not budge.
lounge access, commuter lounge access etc
Dear me - this is getting a little precious. Lounge access is over the top. What do you need that for?