Ask commuters trying to get back to Sussex whether they'd see their train leaving for home when it would previously be cancelled "due to shortage of train crew" as a service improvement or not. I suspect you'd get an overwhelming "hell, yeah!"
That aside, are you able to outline for us laymen...
A cynic would suggest that the following is playing out...
Southern: This is our timetable and the trains we'll run.
Staff/RMT: I've got a cold *cough*, I can't come in today. Also, when I do come in, I can't work overtime any more.
Southern: We've reduced the timetable and cut services, but at...
I wouldn't say that's entirely where I am. There are clearly issues with the franchise and the rather bizarre setup between Southern and the government department responsible.
However, I have asked time and time again as to why there were no similar protests, and indeed are no similar protests...