I live in a city that's just big enough to not be EAS (Casper, WY).

Flights to go back to the East Coast are sometimes $1000 more per person R/T out of Casper then Denver. Sometimes they are cheaper, even though it's an additional leg and the rest of the flight stays the same.

I accept the fact that living in Casper, I often have to drive 4+ hours one way to DEN to get an affordable plane ticket. My wife will drive 4+ hours to avoid flying on United, even if the price is the same.

Living in BFE is a choice. It comes with downsides. I think EAS should go away personally.