Funguy,
Thanks for continuing the game of words. I will refer you to Farley's so eloquently stated post prior to your last. You are a bit shortsighted in thinking that all the eggs are placed in one basket with LGB and JB.
Regarding PEX/JBU, this is apple and oranges. The only similarity is low fares. Beyond that, the similarities fade. PEX operated an aged fleet of mixed type aircraft on a shoe string budget, hinged on the willingness of their employees to fulfill multiple job descriptions. Their longterm interest was not in continued successful operations but to fulfill the dreams of Burr/Lorenzo to control the country with their cattle car type of operation. Amenities, comfort, convenience and other 'small' enticements were not considered. Remember the 50 cent cup of diluted coffee?
JBU on the other hand is a very clean operation with well funded backing, success in their strategies, single type AC, an interest in the passengers as well as employees not their dollars alone. Very controlled growth and adherance to that despite many attractive enticements to deviate from the expansion plan will 'probably' ensure a better chance of success in the long term.
Route structures and the like are interesting but not necessarily determining factors in viability or profitability. I don't believe JB is missing opportunities but prioritizing their long term position. While the players appear aligned, the game has just begun. They are not opportunistic or they would be diving into MCI and other graveyards as the ashes of failed counterparts are cooling. In that respect, there is a well researched plan that encompasses more than the short term $19. fares on routes that you're so focused on.
I maintain that LUV has not necessarily stuck with their original business plan but in the '70s when they started their triangular service between HOU-DAL-SAT, they operated an aged fleet of 3 737-200s with a revolutionary idea that has succeeded due to the forward looking approach of their management. That boils down to taking advantage of changes in the industry, opportunities that are not set in stone but will bring return to their backers and solidify their strength in the long term.
If you recall, they were originally to operate only within the state due to current rulings and limits of 500 mile operations. This, 30 years later does not appear that they have remained with their original business plan.
Bottom line Funguy, I believe Farley has seen the light and others will also. What you're professing as lost opportunities and wasted energy will probably reveal itself to be more of the 'thinking outside the box' that JB's management has demonstrated a proficiency at thus far. We all know the story of the many failed upstarts but you are trying to prophecy outcome based on short sighted information and historical events in a much altered business environment. I maintain a wait and see attitude with a little more faith in what has been demonstrated thus far.
[
]