MATB: I agree with you but you do sound as if you are trying to think this through in a logical and consistent manner. Have you met any folks from airline management recently???
The IFE has become a major field of competition. It is easy to market, as it has snazzy images and so forth. Also, have you any idea how good it is as keeping children quiet??!! That makes it a big sell to parents. The fact that the same weight could space out seats or carry mist air/water fire and smoke damping equipment is not relevant. Go to the bottom of the class
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"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.