As disconcerting as the pilot actions are, I think this is an overreaction. I am not an AApologist, but I think the AAdvantage program is strong enough to retain long term elites despite a 4-8 week showdown with the pilots. Even with travelers booking away for a month or so, this may be what it takes to show the pilots that it's either Ch 7 or a "market-driven" contract. No one involved wants Ch 7.