The psychology of "Loss"
Just a quick point about the "loss" of ST.
Whilst I'm not convinced that psychology has added a lot to the sum of human knowledge, one thing it has made very clear. We in the West are VERY averse to the perceived loss of something. That is why many adverts are couched in a "do not miss out" sort of way. That is why many salesmen use the "only available to-day" sort of phrases. "Don't miss out" type of sales pitches are an example of this psychology.
We hate to lose something. We hate the perception of loss. (Even if the loss is minor/not real)
The strength of feeling about the loss of ST - which only becomes real when the letter is in your hand - will be much higher than some commentators think. Not because striking crew are belligerent, etc., but simply due to (Western) "human nature".