There is no legitimate reason why airlines would care one bit about a "hometown team." Zero.
Therefore, it's obvious that they have other reasons for preferring the Burns and Mac plan. Judging by airline behavior in every other facet of life, I believe their reason is money, and money alone. I am quite confident in this conclusion.
Now, why would the airlines make more money with the Burns and Mac plan? This is the question that is most interesting to me.
Also, from the get go, I was in favor of giving Southwest a big seat at the design table on this, because it would be less likely that KC screws this up....so I have zero problem with the Airlines pushing this thing around.