Chris H,
Southwest has one of the most robust business models of any airline in the world. They have by far the best record of consistent profitability in the industry, and even where they have experiences some losses in recent quarters, they are no where near on the scale of the Delta's and US Airways of this world.
Next... you say ALL airlines do this.. in relation to charging a fee to change a ticket. ALL airlines do not do this, as evidenced by your next sentence when you acknowledge that Southwest don't. However, even if they did, it is perfectly legitimate to criticise monopolies, acting in concert, who impose "fees" which are wholly disproportionate to the costs incurred.
None of this should be construed to suggest that I think the OP is reasonable in this particular case. However, I think the charge of $150 for a change (plus the additional costs of the ticket) is a rip off..and it is perfectly legitimate to criticise it.
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