If you don't speak up, nothing will get done about it!
Not true. If this happens on a large scale (and I think that this festering dispute increases the possibility of this), then pax will vote with their feet and the airline will take a big revenue hit.
Sometimes this is the only way large corporations develop the will to resolve issues.
I believe that allowing the dispute to drag on is a very dangerous game for both sides to play.
The potential cost savings look very good,
IF one can deliver the loads and yields.