You make good points and I appreciate the perspective.

AI issues, not entirely undeserved, are well known. Still, people use the carrier for a reason. In my case it has covered the whole range: low fare, some specially convenient schedule, psychological comfort of an elderly relative traveling alone (food, language), etc. We didn't get but also didn't pay for SQ-class service. However, we always got what made us choose AI; in that sense it has been fine to us.

Going in, I know what AI offices and ground staff are like and I minimize my dealings with them. I never had a particularly bad experience with an AI flight itself. I realize that it could have happened, and I don't discount the discomforts that others may have endured; just saying I didn't experience it. (It may have helped that I tend to sleep through the flights and don't much notice the quality of cabin furnishings or blankets, who is sitting in Exit Rows, precise timing of beverage service, and the pilot's accent.)

In fact I just returned from a convoluted trip that involved American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Air India, Indian Airlines, Indigo, Kingfisher, and Singapore Airlines. Were AI and IC the best of the bunch, leaving all others miles behind in elegance and service? Not really, but they were a part of my itinerary for specific reasons, price as well as schedule, and provided adequate service.