One thing we all know for sure is that CX refuses to ever lose face, especially when it comes to labour. They will fight Rod forever plus one day and be willing to spend whatever it takes to "win", even if that is actually a huge loss. Logically, wouldn't it make sense to put a new face in there that can be seen to be more compromising? Someone who can make a deal. DS might be that person.
USAOA got some big wins by seemingly doing little more than being polite and civil. They didn't leverage CX directly, although it seems most US pilots were doing their own CC and adhering to the TB. Maybe CX is using USAOA (and the other AOAs) to put pressure on HK? Or maybe they are just showing HK that the best possible deal is obtained in a different fashion? It will be interesting to see how Europe is dealt with as they seem to be in lockstep with HK from a tactical perspective.
Want more of the same? Vote for Rod. Want change? Go with another.