Matt, I couldn't agree with you more.

The only bit I would question is the EU limiting slots, I am by no means a big fan of the EU, but I would point out that the allocation of slots is a two-way thing.

As happens everytime (last month being a case in point) that the EU, the respective European governments and the US sit down to discuss 'open-skies' it falls apart - nobody seems to want it!

The protectionism is all around, BA last week postponed it's link with AA because the US wanted BA/AA to give up so many transatlantic slots.
MF

PS: You can do LHR-Stokholm for under $100 return now - as I said you just need to know the discount airlines are there!!