If we were REALLY being cost-conscious as an airline then we wouldnt insist upon the CC flying every sector with all of their manuals on them in case of equipment change! Consider the increase in weight being carried (x26!) per a/c and multiply this by all of the sectors flown over a year.....then consider just how much extra fuel we have burnt as a result.....methinks that ACARS costs pale into insignificance. Same old problem, though. Somebody elses budget, their problem......