TMJ,
I wouldn't suggest that you are paranoid. We've only just met. That said, you need to factor in the following.
1. Every OEM has their day in the sun (putting it nicely)
2. AB builds a fine product (and I work for the other guys)
3. AB has had some tough breaks lately (no stones being cast, glass house and all)
4. Twenty-four hour news cycles and uninformed media "experts"
5. Lastly, it depends on the news source as some are biased.
No "respectable" OEM employee wishes bad for the competitor. We are all in the same business, moving people safely. When something happens to one of us, it affects us all.
In the interest of self disclosure, I usually fly with Airlines that operate Boeing Products but it is simply because they are my customer.
You're going to find good and bad in every product if you look hard enough. It's the nature of the beast.
Good luck with your studies.
11Fan