Indeed. Plus Virgin Atlantic started off by leasing an aircraft, not buying one and some of the groundwork had already been done by British Atlantic Airways so Virgin had a license for a regular route from day one (LGW-EWR). Even today, 41 years later, the Virgin Atlantic fleet is 'only' 44 aircraft strong. Global were promising 100 in what timeframe?
Virgin's first flight (on a 747-200) was full as they gave tickets away to 'stars' of the day, many of whom were signed to Virgin Records, and they were completely open about it. Branson knew how to promote his brands, and he learnt that years before getting involved in airlines - anyone who knows about The Sex Pistols' history will be aware of Virgin openly courting controversy and media coverage regarding a certain LP.

I'm far from a Branson fan but, like MOL at Ryanair, you have to give him credit. I've seen nothing from this Global fella that comes anywhere close to their 'savvyness,' if that's a word.