From an AA pilot's view, here's a little perspective...
To quote the original TWA merger committee Chairman when offered the possibility of a career length fence around TWA's fleet (i.e. TWA pilots would "fly" their career as a TWA pilot) the guy said "No way. We don't want to be stuck in a St Louis pilot ghetto!".
So, basically, they no longer want a TWA pilot's career, they want an AA pilot's career.
Their "rightful place" merger is based on neighbourhood scenarios. AA's neighbourhood is Saks 5th Avenue (or Harrods). TWA's neighbourhood was Walmart (or Woolworths).
I don't blame them for asking for the moon. If you don't ask you WON'T get.
A little realism would be nice, though.
TWA's pilots are in no way second rate. Their airline certainly was though. They'll hit the jackpot wherever they end up and make no mistake!
dd