If I could interject a short note in favour of EI.
They have an advantage not shared by Ruinair and to a lesser extent easyjet. Passengers actually like EI. Similar to the way that some people actually like the sort of service offered by BA. People are actually prepared to pay a (small) premium for a little bit less hassle and grief. Strange but true.
I would also like to think that some passengers would prefer to fly with an airline that treated their employees with some respect and dignity. Sadly I'm probably wrong on that one.