As someone who had just a bare commercial licence when the big day happened I would think that besides the brethern that were directly afected ( and we would be mostly aware who they may be) , a lot has changed in 12 years. Hours required to fly ( as part of your employment) has changed as has the equiphment to fly from regional to major airline( except for AN ). Lifestyles have changed as well as opportunities. When I started the only option was either AN or Qantas. Now there are so many more options. You are either Lifestyle or career orientated ( and lets face it we would all like a 777 command after a couple of years in the desert!) the end result is of your choosing. I know that 89 dredges up a lot of unpleasant thoughts for many ppruners but command decisions are just that. Que sera sera
As for conspiracy theories ... Next as I don't think any Federal agency is that far advanced..