The other point to remember here too is that people BEGIN their careers in European LCC. So whilst the Ryanair deal sucks you spend a few years there then move onto a bigger and better things. In Australia it's the END OF THE LINE if you wish to remain living in Australia. After going through the GA experience in this country we do not want it repeated again in the airlines. Otherwise you will essentially spend your life in an apprenticeship never progressing and paying for the priviledge.