That was a very nice rant, Fallguy, and I hope you feel better for it.
But all the excuses in the world, even the ones you list, don't justify the attitude with which service is provided to US airline customers these days. Other industries have learned how to manage customer service -- airlines are late to the dance.
That said, I have to admit that I have seldom encountered surly, arrogant, or noncaring attitudes from flight crews, who in my opinion work very hard to do the professional job they are trained for in a work environment that must be very difficult for them.
But gate agents and cabin crew these days: not so much.