I am sure the French would "down tools" over this matter if they were in our position, and really the whole pilot community should rail against and refuse to accept the ID card, if it is only they who are going to have it. It would be a pity to spoil thousands of people's holidays, business travel etc., and I guess foreign airlines would reap the immediate benefit.
But this is an important question of principle and we should not let ourselves be distracted from the issue. It would be wrong, stupid and discriminatory, and if we have got any character, as a body, we should show that character IF there is no U-turn.
I know this echoes nearly all posters' views, but wanted to add my "voice".
Let's keep hoping sense prevails.
RB