mattyj
It is difficult to make large profits with a fleet of 19 seat aircraft, what you have to look at (and the reason for Eagle's existence) is the impact on the group as a whole. As flyby_kiwi pointed out, 50% of Eagle's sectors run at a loss, but it is Air New Zealand who decides where we fly. It's all about providing a feeder service.
When routes are running close to capacity and making a good profit (like AA-TG) they get taken off us and given to a bigger aircraft (makes sense) so it is a constant struggle to turn a profit. I'm not saying any of this is wrong, it is the way things have to work.
With respect to your statement on the demeanour of Eagle crews operating out of AKL, I think most of us (while very busy) are still pretty happy. Of course being last in line for service on the ramp (not from fuelies of course) can quickly put you in a bad mood. There are plenty of us who are not dead set on moving any time soon.
That's my view anyway. Cheers.