You make some interesting assumptions with your nostradamus like prediction of what P.I.A. would look like Panther. Especially that part about the Labour govt basically coming to our rescue.
My only response to that would be, "What is past is prologue". Just ask any old pilot what the Labour govt (headed by a former ACTU secretary) did for them in 1989.
Believe it or not, I don't like it any more than you do. I just cannot see a better outcome, as lousy as it may be, at this particular point in time.
Like I said before, better we live to fight another day when we have more of an advantage going our way i.e. no workchoices legislation.
EP. Our brothers in Tulla, Brisbane, and yes, Avalon could all still be made to walk the plank if we don't play our cards right. I just think you're advocating playing Russian Roulette with a lot of other peoples jobs.