I agree. IMHO, the old time US airlines provide a terrible domestic coach product (especially if you remember the glory days of US aviation.^ Of course, prices were controlled at a high level then.

The newer carriers are not a lot better than, say, Delta, AA or UAL. But, they are better.

If it weren't for the loyalty programs, the hold on gates at major airports, and the international awards I suspect the old carriers would be run out of business.