Roginator -

It sounds like you've got two competing desires:

1) Living in a small, isolated city with easy access to all the wonders of Alaska, and

2) Being able to jump on a cheap flight to Vegas at the drop of a hat.

I hate to be harsh, but those competing desires would often lead to frustration with ANY airline. Living where you live, the prices are always going to be higher, and the options are always going to be fewer than in a large metro area. My base airport is SEA, but if prices were to go up or non-stop options were to go down for one or even all airlines, I could switch airlines or start flying out of YVR. You don't have so many options, and the airlines know it. It doesn't make them evil, it just makes them a business. If HP is providing a better service for your needs at a better price, you should by all means switch to them (and switch your credit card while you're at it). If enough people in ANC vote with their wallets in the same manner, I guarantee AS would follow HP's lead.

If it makes you feel any better, I often pine for the travel prices and options available to friends in LAX and NYC. But at the end of the day, I'd rather live here.