I think a passengers experience regarding the price of the ticket is entirely relevent.
Also, Ryanair have made a profit in a time like this - yes it was not the €400 or so million that they wanted or that would be achieved in a good boom; but in a deep recesion making any money at all is, in it's own right, a blessing.
I don't think any other airline in the "Big 3" -Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, BA- have made any money. If anything, they are loosing money.
Whilst other airlines are putting expansion on hold - Ryanair is continuing to grow. Which surely, must mean more money in the bank?
Ancillary revenue has remained strong (I think this is the real money) which means passengers are still taking bags, can't fly without priority boarding, and must have those oh-so-delicous sandwiches and coffee.
Last year it was €21 million - now it is €136.5 million. Enough said.