GF I'm with you on all this. I remember working at the airport in the 80's and seeing Wardair fill 4 x 747's a week to YYZ. Then came BA to JFK, AA to ORD EK to DXB and PIA to LHE & ISB, plus all the proper European schedules to top destinations. Now what's left? If pax travelled on those routes in the 80's & 90's, why aren't they travelling now? I suspect prices rises, govt taxes on airfares have a lot to do with it.
The along came the locos and with it a complete devaluation in service all round. I'd love to know whats's happened to all those loyal supporters of Business Class. perhaps they've retired or decided on MAN & LHR?
I suppose if there aren't the routes the next best thing are shops that bring in a rental comparasion to the landing fees of a widebody.