Showing your ignorance there, a bit. SQ, CX ect don't receive a penny from the government. They also don't have the legal safety blanket of Ch. 11. If they go under, they are toast. Gone. Consequently, they have to operate smarter, strategically acquire new and better aircraft, and actually offer proper service, food and entertainment in order to gain custom. What's more, is that they have to compete against each other, not just the likes of United across the Pacific.

US carriers can just try to lower costs through bankruptcy. Hence the diabolical product and service standards found on board.

While the OP may have sounded frivolous, he has a point. Service on US majors is a disgrace. Look elsewhere in the world, and you will see.

Sure economites want low fairs, but in the premium cabins, you'll see that CX and SQ jets across the pacific are crammed with Americans happy to pay a premium for what's on offer.