AdamFrisch raises a very good question (the first in this mail string). Airplanes optimized for skinny routes could eliminate unnecessary transit stops for passengers, reduce the total fossil fuel burn, help environment. Direct point-to-point operations is the most efficient way to go. Now that ETOPS is routine, it should allow manufacturers to design efficient ETOPS twins for such operations. I wonder if the big boys are fat and happy with their product line, may be some new scrappy manufacturer can make a mark by exploiting this niche!