Originally Posted by pinniped

Depending on what kind of deal they're getting, it could be a shrewd move.

Once the MAX is back it in the air for a few airlines, it will cease being news. Remember the DC-10? It had a couple accidents, they fixed it, and it flew for decades. It split the market with the Lockheed Tristar so it never was a great commercial success, but it got past its safety issues. The 737 itself went through some issues in the 90's.

Most people have short memories.
Most people don't know anything about aircraft subtypes. They can't tell a 737 from an A320, let alone a MAX from a 737-700.
Even people who know aircraft often don't know what subtype they're on until the FA is doing the safety briefing.

If WN can use the current situation to snag some cheap new airplanes, they should probably do it. If they occasionally run into a passenger who wants a reroute or rebooking, no big deal.