Funny, I must have missed the "group opportunity" FSO. The "Group" getting stronger doesn't benefit all equally, if fact it is probably a zero sum game - for every winner there is an equal an opposite loser.
One example - Command slot opportunities for mainline pilots with Jetstar for DRW only for 3 years. As soon as these slots close, Jetstar offers command slots on the East Coast, unavailable to mainline pilots. As I said, zero sum game. If it weren't a zero sum game, I'd agree with you.
The group structure actually impedes profitability with enormous administrative overheads and inefficiency - pilots sitting around doing nothing for YEARS, yet a shortage in other area's - madness. Don't get sucked in by the propaganda, it is done for "other" reasons.