I think for most of the traveling public that price rules.

Let's face it, if you don't have status or you aren't flying in a premium class, the traveling experience can be pretty unpleasant. If someone only flies once or twice a year, why on earth would they stay loyal to one airline? Especially when the experience is often so poor, and for the casual traveler they don't think they'll earn enough miles/points to qualify for a free flight, etc., for years.