first, "debt is debt", what a ridiculous statement. so that would mean that defense spending is the same as social program spending is the same as infrastructure spending. or debt at a 6% rate is the same as a credit card at 23% . or as fedex contractor, 60K debt for a new package car is the same as 60k for a new hummer. i think you need to rethink such a simplistic view of economics in order to post intelligently on matters of capital expenditure.
secondly, however fedex got the rla exemption, ups failed to do so. as they say, trying and succeeding are two very different things, and i think we can agree that ups did everything in their power to achieve that goal.
third, again on aggressiveness of sales, we compete for the same customers and if upssalesguy would like to chime in he can confirm that fedex continues to gain marketshare.
finally, that i am viewing things onesidedly, guilty. but it's gotta be a little entertaining to get a somwhat different opinion, and i will admit it is merely that an opinion. but it is one that i think one need not look too far to find supporting non-biased evidence.