I don't think the legacy carriers have done a very good job of highlighting the considerable differences between absolute cut rate fares - and hence, lousy service and amenities, and their higher quality product. Sure, one can site an astronomical fare cost difference in some markets, but other than DOT on time records, bag losses and of course safety, does any airline effectively advertise the difference in leg room, crew experience, depot-level maintenance, and customer service philosophy?
At the "regional" I've worked at for the last 22 years, not once have I been called on the carpet for "doing the right thing" for my passengers. In addition to being the last word from a safety standpoint, I consider myself the last word in customer service - should things get out of the ordinary.