Unfortunately that will always be the case, especially in the current climate. What I forsee is a time when the passengers and airlines will eventually want something different, speed being key. This isn't about now, but 30 years time.
I don't think that any revolution will be led by the large established manufacturers, they have too much tied into the current way of thinking. GA and specifically biz jets are going to provide the next leap as more speed becomes a quest again.
Look at what the Rutans are doing. They are showing what can be done, one day it may trickle down.
This may be controversial, but I can envisage the Chinese trying to build something totally different, they've just gone into space for no reason I can see other than national pride. This kind of thing might be their bag.
I always thought it was between 400-500 hulls to break even.