I've flown DY the past two summers on long haul and everything has been fantastic. I'm going to use them again this summer. The prices can't be beat and I have been able to upgrade at the counter for premium at a great rate.
I could care less if baggage and counter people are contractors. Yes, they couldn't answer questions like how much is the premium upgrade on other days.. or how often do people get it.. but I don't care.
Almost sounds like the OP is a Union member upset about DY's hiring practices.
Bonus if you know how to travel for a week on holiday with just an overhead bag.