I bet our good friend of 20+ years at DL has thought on more than one occasion of one of the ME airlines at some point!
What about SQ offering JFK-FRA or IAH-DME? Or Kuwait Airways offering LHR-JFK? Last time I checked the paying public had free choice to "pay" for the best product that's being offered?
Anyone fancy an 8 hour flight down the back of DL's rot box 767 with Nancy who's got a face like a spaniel? Or we could pay less and get a better service?
Up to you public!