Noxegon, not sure what your local market is but over in Ireland there is just that sort of comparison to be made. Given a choice people want a competitively priced flight and good service. Aer Lingus has been filling its aircraft with eager passengers for some time. Ryanair have been able to stay in the game by subsidising its Irish operation with high fares charged on different sections of its network, but now the preasure is on there as well.
Squeezing Aer Arran off Cork/Dublin and claiming he's competeing succesfully with ATR's on a 30minute low density flight, who does he think he's kidding (other than the authorities).
Now he threatens to shrink if eveyone does'nt play ball, who gives a toss, shrink away pal and allow competative airlines with healthy saftey cultures and happy employies into the market. To the poor crews who's lives he plays with to make the news I sincerily hope you find employement with the airlines that will fill the void.