Actually, IMHO, it's very basic in a free market system that both the industry and the consumers assume the other is trying to get the best deal for themselves. So being a cynical consumer is important in holding industry accountable. That's why competition is so important, and why the free market system doesn't work well when there are monopolies.
I want the airlines to do well, and agree with you entirely that we all want to fly on airlines that are solvent, and doing well. That said, if the airlines can get away having people essentially stand for their entire flight they will (something close to this has been put forth by one of the economy European airlines). As a consumer, it's my right to fight back against this, criticizing and avoiding airlines that give the impression of not caring about passenger comfort. That's my part of the free market.
my part of the free market is flying first class/business class. It’s very comfortable. First on, first off.
Now, where you are cynical, is you are looking at the whole thing as an adversarial relationship, not a win win.....and no successful business in the planet’s history has been anything BUT a win/win - for the business and it’s customers.