I don't know what the charter companies themselves have been saying, but others have excused them in the same way even when times were good -- "Taking responsibility for ___ will directly cost them business or cause them to have to raise their prices which will also cost them business -- either way, they can't afford to lose business." As you say, not a healthy solution. In my opinion, if they can't take responsibility for certain things and stay in business, then perhaps they shouldn't be in business.