The cost on EVA was over USD 2200 per person while they are paying only USD 1450 per ticket right now. Multiplying that difference by 3 is actually a lot. The flight between Taipei and Houston is really long, especially on the westbound flight, they are trying to avoid per doctor's advice. I personally would have flown EVA, Singapore, Qatar or Turkish as well. but in this case, the difference in cost is just too enormous to neglect.