You are overlooking the big picture, which is understandable given our jobs are vital to our lives and this situation creates a lot of stress and anxiety. This company is positioning itself to be sold. The grand old days of AT&T are over. They don't give a damn about talent, your opinions, feelings or whatever hardship their decisions inflict on you. It's big Wall Street business and employees are just a commodity. It's about the $$$ and positioning for the eventual sale of the company.
Your priority should be taking care of yourself and doing what's best for you and your family, because that is of NO interest to the current leadership. They have their marching orders.
If this wasn't the case, the BOD would have sacked Stankey long ago.