If I was a leader who really wanted to look under the hood, I'd be curious to know the high performing detractors that ended up on the surplus list. People who've earned awards, KP awards...I can think of three people in the last year - who fits - awarded, key performers, detractors and surplused.
The encouraging thing though is that those who know longer fit in ATT's culture like the above were snatched up pretty quick. I know of one guy whose salary doubled. He's at more than 200k - in direct competitor. And doing things ATT wasn't interested in when he was there - but who are now copying his work at ATT.
I say that to say don't be discouraged. There are alot of success stories. But those people don't typically look back. They've moved on.
But if you've still got your Mojo (or can get it back), passionate about work that was taken from you - you can rebuild again. There are companies that are looking for the passion and innovation that no longer fits at T.