I was employed by AAI/Direct for a few years. I can say honestly, I have never been associated with a better group of pilots, both 55+ and below 55. The company, well that's another story.
I left AAI several months ago and found it was the best thing I had done. Working for a "real" airline is amazing. Especially when you compare what AAI is doing to and expects from people.
Forget trying to get any type of "union" or "job action". The real problem is unless you're a FFF you don't work directly for AAI. That presents real problems. ACE/Airborne or Direct aren't going to do anything about the conrtact because it's not in their best intrest.
My advice, keep your options open. If you like working at AAI, great! If not, there are plenty of options in today's market. You have Air China, Asiana, SIA and Korean (supposed to start in the next 3 months). So, there are other jobs out there. Most will take people up to 57.