Thermal Image I see that you have stopped calling them 'old farts' thus avoiding upsetting those such as OZZY AIRBOuRNE who seems to have a very 'short fuse'
It is of course quite right that the seconded pilots should be stood down, but as you say what will actually happen is another matter. This is a golden opportunity for the 'armchair generals to exert their authority over Alpha-S once and for all.
It cannot be right that ex-pats who are seconded from SIA Mauritius, mostly ex BA on huge pensions tax free to boot in most cases because they all claim to live outside the UK are kept on whilst locals and others who have long loyal service to SIA have a huge cut in salary by taking forced leave every 2 months.
With the Pound around $2.8 to the SGD the actual cost savings of these London based Pilots are not as beneficial as it once was in pure economic terms but of course they are a balance against the locals.
You are not quite correct about a total giveaway over the 'Business Class' seat issue as the company had to back down to a certain degree and lose face to an extent which put egg on the face of one the armchair generals as Captains still got their seat.