In highly regulated markets it's usually the passenger who suffers. Airlines are not public services. They are out to make a profit. If they can make more profit flying some place mid afternoon then they will and then stick an IOM rotation on to the end of the day. It may not be business friendly but choice is choice. I'm sure many are grateful of the services EZY provide.
There may not be a perceived balance between frequency/quality/price/convenience. If you manipulate one aspect of these qualities then another will suffer to make make up for it. Let the market decide what's best.