I think airlines SHOULD cut down on flights to insure that the planes are full. It's a PITA but in the long run makes more sense. I think generally, if people fly it's because they need to. Vacation OR business..you want/need to get somewhere. If you have a narrower choice of flights, I bet most people would accomodate a schedule around their flight. I also don't mind paying for food as I remember having aweful airline food on many occasions and thinking..knock five bucks off the fare and I'll bring my own or eat before I board! I don't quite understand the beverage thing because you can't bring your own water on board (cause I guess you can make a bomb with it?) but you can wash your hands and get free bottled water when you are on board?
I've also traveled with people who pack everything but the kitchen sink! I'm all for encouraging light packing. I think when you are trying to save money you can get creative..I had a friend who backpacked across europe and bought clothes at goodwill as she traveled and disposed of them when they seved their purpose! Not that I could go to that extreme
Claudia