I agree 100%. The company has the financial wherewithal to operate the next-gen (E190 and UP....hell even the E175) if they choose to. Yes, it would cost a bit more considering our pay scales and BC fund, contact goodies etc but I have to assume that it wouldn't break the bank by any stretch. And when you include the items you mention, the gap must certainly narrow, and perhaps considerably. At some point, they need to consider the value of the brand and the service received by the pax. Brand loyalty is paramount and companies like Apple have proven that customers are willing to pay for top-shelf goodies and service. Not everyone drives a Yugo.