Sqwak,
While I agree with the central theme of your post about excess staff, I think you have to factor in economies of scale in a 900 aircraft operation vs CX. Also, CX operates all widebody aircraft internationally and an extensive cargo network, Delta is mainly narrowbodies on a domestic network with a much smaller number of widebodies doing international flying. In my mind, there is no question DL is the very best US carrier, but comparing it to CX is apples and oranges.