i was thinking more of "charter credits" as I have as opposed to forfeited deposits...but you raise a good point
I think it ends like every other ponzi scheme...
Using your restaurant analogy...imagine opening back up your restaurant and the first 6 months (and still counting) of customers eat free using the "credits" from when it was closed and you not only have your existing overhead but have now added back staff...
I don't see how they can raise prices as I cant see demand for chartering coming out of this higher than before for a multitude of reasons