Yes, but SW resisted all attempts in the 80's to repeal the amendment, because, by then they had it acting as a shelter, and they had nearly all flights out of LUV. They paid off congressmen to keep it that way.
As for service, no problems there, I used to non rev them all the time and I was treated quite well, its a good airline, but I wouldn't go cannonizing them.
I dare say ALL the airlines paid people off in some way or another..
The only reason other airlines wanted it repealed was because I believe they saw the WN business model and wanted a piece of the action.
Other than "payoffs" - which I really don't know anything about.. WN just went with a different business model when they were tied to DAL. It was just smart business.
I don't think anyone's canonizing them - they just don't need to be demonized.. especially when tragedy hits. An incident involving even one death brings such sadness to any airline... even down to the baggage handlers and res agents ALL the employees feel it.