Discontinuing service to the mentioned cities wasn't AirTran's call, it was Southwest's, and it had little to do with the 717. SWA doesn't seem to think it's profitable or reasonable to fly to those cities when either one of the now-the-same airline flies to another that's within... what was the number, a 3 hour drive?
I don't get PHF... AirTran flies nearly HALF the pax at that airport...