Originally Posted by MWright

You're recollection of history is wrong. DFW opened in 1974, and all existing and operating airlines at the time signed an agreement (not the Wright Amendment) to move their operation to DFW in 1970.

SWA began service in June of 1971, before DFW opened. When DFW opened in 1974, everyone but SWA moved their operations to DFW. This angered the legacies, so they filed suit in 1973 to force them to move as well. You were correct that they won that case on the basis that as long as Love was open, that nothing could stop SWA from operating there. You were also correct that they weren't party to the agreement that the other airlines had signed.

Originally Posted by MWright

Now fast forward to 1979. American and Braniff we're still steamed about SWA operating from Love, so they tapped one of the many politicians in Dallas who was in their pocket, Jim Wright, to sponsor a bill in congress to limit passenger traffic out of Love Field. So yes, the Wright Amendment was undoubtedly punishment for refusing to serve DFW.

Originally Posted by MWright

As a part of the agreement, it stipulated that SWA divest Love gates if they ever chose to serve DFW (the very thing the airlines and the DFW airport board wanted them to do). Banishing isn't the right word, but it certainly was another form of punishment. So SWA found themselves in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario.

Originally Posted by MWright

It's worth noting that several airlines have tried to serve Love over the years, with both large and RJ sized aircraft. AA flew super-80's to AUS and STL and failed miserably. The only two doing it today is United (to DEN and IAH) and Delta (to ATL and MEM), both in 50-seat RJs. Having been airlined on both carriers out of love, I can assure you the loads are light. Nothing prevents these airlines from serving additional destinations, as long as the number of seats is less than 56.