There is also the concept that it costs what it costs. Do the airplanes all of a sudden become cheaper to operate when the economy crashes? My bills don't change, the mortgage is still due. Do we fly with less attention to safety than during those time of good economic standing?

It costs what it costs to move the airplane from point A to B. Things like GPUs, quick turns, musical parts, etc are all good.

It costs what it costs.

In addition to the above named things. All valid points. If EVERYONE, from the top down decided to go out on a limb, that is one thing. But, cutting labor costs, robbing pensions, etc, will do nothing but cause more and more problems. People must be rewarded for their work, for it is this work that will cause one airline to succeed over another.