Maxred
I think you are correct about the race to the bottom, in this case it has been accelerated by the need of some operators to get as much money out of aircraft that they know will be scrapped when the SID's deadline hits them.
Right now is not a good time to be in the market, that is one of the reasons that I pulled the aircraft off line early for the SID's checks. I don't want to use valuable flying hours trying to compeat with undermaintaned aircraft that are being offered at knock down prices by owners trying to squeez the last few quid out of the aircraft.
The plan is to be fully back in business with good aircraft just as the SID's deadline hits those who have been putting off the work and forces their aircraft onto the scrap heap.