Shakespeare,
You hit the nail on the head. The airline business is a dog eat dog world and you have to protect your position. I did work for Atlas Air for two years and some of us thought FedEx would buy us out. In turn, we fully expected to go to the bottom of the seniority list.......which was better than the position we were at Atlas.
For the TWA guys, just sit back and look at what you're gaining. Remember you were ACQUIRED not merged......be thankful you have a job. What are the A/A guys gaining in this deal.....(zippo). Remember, you could be operated separate like Eagle and negotiate your own contract........food for thought.
We know most of the TWA guys are happy to be at American and we welcome you. However, the radical TWA MEC and ALPA can simply go look for dues at another airline.