I think the main problem with KIX is that there is already another airport in Osaka (ITM - Itmai) which is much closer to downtown Osaka (so much so that sometimes I take a taxi ~4500 Yen especially when travelling with my wife). It's a shame. I really like the airport (although some people on this board rate don't seem to like it). With so few non-Asian international flights going into KIX, to most direct routes seems to be XXX->NRT->ITM these days to Osaka.