they know it will cost too much money.

Even the Southwest model depends on fast turn of planes. I've also seen their "reality tv" show that documents that even the darling of the industry has major issues.

And you linked to 3 maintenance articles with a common theme. FAA is stretched. The base assumption is that if the airlines use a facility that the FAA doesn't watch then the airlines are skimping. Thats an assumption.

And again, I'm sure that there was a problem on your wifes flight. They certainly wouldn't have turned it around if there wasn't. My issue, it seems your assumption is that lack of maintenance created that problem. I don't make that base assumption. Major systems are all on regular maintenance schedules that are regulated by FAA. Landing gear and engines and fuel tanks are all major systems.

Unfortunately it sounds simply like a case of "shit happens". If I were to choose a carrier to not boycott, it would probably be CO or UA. AA, DL and NW are all operating fleets older than me and US can't get a back through Philly airport to the carousel in under an hour. Not fond of the cattle call that is a SW boarding either. YMMV. I fly them all. I have to.