The alternative to the plan that is in place is to decide to NOT purchase AirTran until a later date when all the needed infrastructure is in place to provide an immediate and seamless transition of all AT flying to the SWA side. With this scenario a competitor is allowed to compete and win profits therefore denying Southwest the ability to earn those profits. If you think that is a more solid plan then more power to you and I suggest you start your own airline and operate it as you see fit. What you see as Kool-Aid drinking I see as understanding and supporting the company's business plan.