Airbubba,
Loved your post. One nail hit magnificently on the head.
Islandhopper,
Set your sights on 1% and that's precisely what you deserve.
When oh when will we learn??
You get US style money by adopting US style tactics. A big powerful well-funded union that can scare the bejaysus out of any airline.
Oh, and consistent support from the members. Nearly forgot that bit. Backed up by social ostracisation (or worse) of non-members, scabs, strikebreakers etc.
It works there, it'll work here.