I've often wondered something along these lines.
How much premium do y'all think people would pay to be guaranteed that they would arrive within a certain time frame of the expected arrival, and guaranteed to not miss a connecting flight?
Do you think it would be enough for an airline to justify having "spare" aircraft and crews?
I know people, for example, that when they go on a cruise, they book a flight to arrive the day before the cruise leaves, and then book a hotel, and a rental car, so they can be absolutely sure they get to the dock for the cruise before it leaves. If they could pay half the cost of the hotel and car and be guaranteed that they'd arrive on time, they'd probably do that....

Yes they would, although I am not so anal.

However I refuse to fly on certain days and certain flights because I know that if I got stranded at the connection I am stuck for two days - I met people who were stuck in Zurich for 48 hours for this very reason. The last flight of the day can give you cause for concern!