It is a fact that there were talks about using the Australian DC-9s on some sort of low-cost operation in the late 80's when deregulation (foreshadowed in 1987) was approaching. Never got to more than "what ifs" as far as I know.
That aside......when it entered TAA service I reckon it was a least as far ahead of anything else flying as the 777 and A380 are now....a sweet machine from either seat. And the elder brother MD-80 just as wonderful.