One of the thoughts going through my mind is that QF were happy to any reduction in numbers on THEIR TERMS and on THEIR TIMING. They need pilots to fly their aircraft right up to the day they get rid of it, then make crew redundant. In short, they though pilots would stick around to the bitter end no matter what, then get rogered.
Unfortunately for management, they appear to have "spooked the horses" with their actions. Pilots are taking their careers into their own hands. I suspect we will see all sorts of random shortages in various ranks on all types, with the exception of A380/744 Captains. This process has only just began, those leaving will have had applications in elsewhere months ago. This will very difficult for the nudist, as by definition, shortages will be completely unpredictable.