If it can be shown that greater efficiencies can be made by merging s/h and l/h then I would agree.The case for this would have to be shown not just a wish list by crew wanting to fly internationally.
If this is the case then you could also merge s/h and mainline or l/h qantas pilots as well.
The main problem as I see it is that the company wants new crew to be employed under the QCCA terms and conditions.There is not enough flying for the crew that are employed at present so they do not need any more.
Especially crew costing more than QCCA and that is only the start of many hurdles that would prevent a merger.