chinooker
the USA is sort of two or three countries (worth) and perhaps that is why a couple of "alliance" members might work out. USAIR is quite strong where United is quite weak. USAIR strong back east, United strong in the Chicago area and parts of the west. With USAIR getting a strength boost in the southwest with AmericaWest.
I think that Branson is full of it. There is too much fear amongst airline workers in my country and they will sacrfice yet again to keep em flying.