TweetTweet, if I take your argument to the logical conclusion (in my mind), is there a feeling in management that if too many routes are closed the guvmint will be expected to step in?
A cashed up company with too few pilots translates (again, in my mind) to a demand by knowing shareholders to get their money and run before the unknowing shareholder catches on. The modern manager has the entire focus on the shareholder of course and will do what's best for the shareholder
if he/she doesn't pack up first and make a run for it.
There was competition for passengers 12 months ago. The regional exec needs to come to terms with the fact that the competition for pilots has become a bigger priority for the moment.