You're right it IS smoke and mirrors.

Funny though, how when Eagle posts a profit, CERTAIN AA pilots say it's "smoke and mirrors", but when Eagle posts a loss, it's no longer smoke and mirrors, but a factual demonstration Eagle is a hopeless loser and must go.

Who paid for AE's fuel ?

Let's add the question, "who charges AE a 100-500% mark up for services ?

You cannot have it both ways, regardless of how desperate you want it to be.