For the sake of argument...

NW does not offer any IFE in domestic and AA only offers it on select aircraft (none of their MD-80s have IFE and this is the bread & butter of their operations).

I agree that US cannot save its way to profitability. It's basically prolonging the inevitable. My guess is their next revenue generating idea will be the following:

- install pay toilets on all domestic aircraft - cost $1


Seriously though...how far away do you think Tempe is from charging for elite upgrades again?