$ and Cents
I think all these gimmicks just revolve around how much more to charge customers for options. The cost differential between low cost and full service if all options are taken is not really that back breaking.
Food: About $18 per person extra which includes a snack, a soft beverage and water each way that is so $36
Baggage: $23 each way = $46
Blanket $18 each way = $36
Seat Assignment = $3.00 each way = $6.00
35mm more leg room seat = $20.00 each way
TKT cost: $250 round trip
All in US$
So actually a SIN -DPS-SIN cost me $ 414. SQ was charging $495 for this route, where the smile is also included.
It would also have avoided following conversations
ME: It is far too cold can we please turn down the aircon
FA: Would you like to buy a blanket
ME: Can I have chicken rice
FA: Sold out
ME: Can I have NAsi GOrang
FA: Sold Out
ME: Can I have a Sandwich
FA: Sold out
ME: What do you have
FA: Chips cookie and 7 up
ME: OK taking out my packed Mcdonalds burger
FA: Sorry sir outside food not allowed
ME: Sue me
(I have to admit that on the outbound flight same thing happened so the above conversation in all fairness was a setup to use the last dialogue as I had seen the no outside food signs.) FYI these were lunch time flights.