I know exactly what you mean...

But criticizing CO in those days was to be branded a heretic and to be excommunicated.

CO had such an untouchable brand and a committed, hardened cult-like following.

Honestly, I think that's a big part of the problem with the merger, namely that CO management drank its own Cool Aid and was armed with an unshakeable conviction its own innate superiority that not only bordered on arrogance but has proved to be a terrible weakness in a time when an open mind and point of view would help them compete in today's airline marketplace much more effectively.