MrNosy and other optimists:
My original assertion was that "most airlines in the real world" that have an accident go out of business.
Not ALL but MOST. And especially not the national carriers that are protected by their governments -regardless of whether it makes economic sense to do so. This does not apply to 3rd world carriers only, the likes of Air France and Iberia do not operate in the real world either. But those privatised carriers that face the wrath of the market get severely punished for a hull loss. isn't capitalism wonderful?
Let's party tonight and re-start the discussion when the hangover recedes. Maybe I will even have the time to trawl ASN databse and figure out some numbers.
Happy 2002 to everyone. Hope it is less eventful that this year was.