Until airlines can make an increase stick passengers will stick with the lowest price/time combo. There is no differentiation on safety or service so why not?
Are you going to offer your GM dealer an extra K just because they are having a hard time?
Looking at the recent round of mergers two drunks holding each other up comes to mind. Hate to say it but the best deal is let some outfits go under.
Sadly pilot seniority works against this. Looking the USAIR/AWA debacle you have to wonder if all would not have being better off with both going tits up and letting a newbie in. If pilots were truly mobile the newbie is going to end up paying at least market rates.
20driver