minimumunstick,
I cannot claim any particular skill for predictions, but what I posted back in February (the "offer" to take unpaid leave" ) coupled with the clear example of what happened the previous Winter, and bearing in mind the lack of any promise from Norwegian that going forward this clearly could not be allowed to happen again, made it pretty clear that this was a likely outcome.
Totally agree, that for some there was no better option available, and believe me I am not rejoicing in the fate of the unfortunates involved. What I cannot do though is offer too much sympathy for those who failed to see it coming, we are, after all, supposed to try & stay ahead of the game whilst exercising this profession, skills we should apply to our thinking with regard to our employment scenario too.