Why do bad companies still exist?

If the premise of my prior blog post is correct, that you need to have passion for your product to be successful, then why are companies without passion still around? That is the question posed in a comment to my post reprinted below :  

" So I’m torn. I agree that I’ll pay more to buy from a person I trust. And I’ll pay more for a sales relationship than just a sales transaction. But if that’s true, why do we continue to have abusive relationships with some of the most important business relationships in our lives?

How do you feel about Microsoft? About your home lender? About your car company? About CalTrans? About the DMV? About your cell phone provider? How do you think they feel about you? Do you think they spend a lot of time worrying about your hopes, dreams, and desires (until your monthly payment is late?)

How come United Airlines still survives in a world with Virgin Airlines? Why would anyone possibly want a Zune? Or for that matter a Pontiac Aztec? Is it because we’ve been taught to accept sub par service and a near-hostile relationship with some companies? "

Craig makes a great point.  Companies that have a monopoly or provide a unique service can stay alive for a while. And he's right about United Airlines - they seem to barely tolerate customers and charge extra for every bag that you take on their plane. Do they not expect travelers to have luggage? And there are long lists of companies that are still in business inspite of themselves. 

I expect them to eventually fall by the wayside as companies with passion for their products and customers fill the voids they have created. I have read a ton of books on customer loyalty and the companies who consistently sustain long term profitability are the ones who have learned how to take care of their customers. The technology leaders who got there first succeed for a while, but they eventually lose their edge. The airlines who have one or two exclusive routes get desperate passengers on their flights, but those passengers quickly return to Southwest when they have the opportunity. 

And I love my current car company - Honda and my former car company - Saturn, even though Saturn seems to be at the end of their run. (I got a "personal" note from the company to that effect.)

I wish I knew why the "bad" guys are still around, I imagine they are feeling the pain of the economy more than others, but I would love to hear more opinions on this subject. 

Thanks, Craig!