"Should this 'merger' actually take place, one should expect a few original USAirways (USAir, east) pilots chomping at the bit to gain entry into UAL's 747-400's...straight to the LHS."--411A
I don't think that will ever happen, 411A. Assuming the US Airways Pilots Association methodology prevails and a 'DOH + Fences + Protections' list were to be utilized, then I foresee the senior US Airways pilots being locked off UAL's bigger equipment and vice versa for a significant time. At least until after most of the more senior pilots retire.
However, if it were to go relative position, then who knows what might happen.
I heard the NWA/Republic merger still has fences in effect from over 20 years ago.