Huck
I suppose it was, BUT, I never meet a commuter who wasn't happy with his lot. Even the shuttle guys hated the NY-BOS or NY-DCA commute. It is more duty time, more days away, more hassles esp. w/ full planes. If commuting isn't going to involve more time away, it guarantees you will be showing up at work having spent 5 hours of hassle getting there.
When EAL collapsed, I went elsewhere because I refused to move or commute for life style reasons. I realize your 70% number is close to correct and a sad statement, that is. And I realize many do it well. A friend of mine at FDX, commutes from SAN, and flies SAN layovers--sweet.
I apologize for the offense, Huck.
Three Rules of Airline Happiness
Stay married to Wife 1
Pay your taxes
Don't commute