NLH,
I might disagree with a lot you say, but you are on the money here.
The only way this level of work can remain safe is if it is short term and people don't fly when they are too tired.
It's quite possible to build a legal roster under ANY FTLS that is still fatiguing to an unacceptable degree. If it catches up to you, you DON'T FLY.
What exactley is it he is asking us to do? Predict a week in advance as to whether we will be fatigued or not? Suits me!
I also wonder how much more of a mess we would be in now if they HAD gotten rid of the 160 pilots we were supposedly surplus!