Globaliser,
You sound like a businessman and nothing else - i.e. you're thinking of nothing but profits so you'd do well to work for Air Transat - go for it!
You missed my point - as is common with business-minded dudes like yourself. Of course the "major" trans-Atlantic carriers are not falling over themselves, their main concern is profits, not safety!
As for the range/passenger issue - ever heard of the A330? My point being, when there is a will there's a way!
John