As far as route networks and international flying among the US carriers go I would love to see them play the ME carriers at their own game. The fact EK wants to start going across the Atlantic via the UK is a little scary for those carriers on those routes. United, Delta, American need to get in first and start servicing those cities. Birmingham, UK has a population of almost 3.7 million people, Manchester has a population of almost 2.7million. It takes 2-3 hours to drive to London from Birmingham, and 4 hours from Manchester. Emirates seems to have been punching the numbers and sees an opportunity - I would love the US carriers to do the same. I'd also love to see more routes into Asia with the massive population explosion there and more people entering the middle class. Unfortunately, until management can recognize an opportunity and make it happen then other airlines will be more than willing to step in. Get mad at lost market opportunities, not at your fellow pilots.