My FIL is retired UA captain and has the same attitude. They never use their passes or my DH's and buy tickets instead. On John Wayne Airport, the DL flights usually have space I actually usually get upgraded on the way back when I fly for work which is somethin' when you're talking flying in and out of ATL with all the medallions. Not sure of the amount of flights in/out of PIT to SNA, but it is a super easy airport to fly in and out of as I'm sure you know. I would just watch flights for about a week and see how many non revs get in and out of PIT and SNA. Not sure how helpful that is but understand your frustration!