Your PAST experience on one particular Pacific Blue flight from Thailand, let alone any other unhappy Virgin flight experience you've had in the PAST, is exactly what the current "Game Change" is addressing, amongst other strategies.
I am very comfortable with the direction JB is taking VBA, as the alternative model was hard work in a higher risk environment (100% reliance on the Leisure market).
I think 12 months is the time frame to see the current legwork payoff.
As for dividends....it will only be a matter of time before reinstated, as the new game plan is about making profit from higher margins.
VBA Price at posting:
30.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held