But the current pandemic influenced environment will eventually pass and it will be "business as usual" at one point. The 380 was not designed with a Plan-B / cargo in mind so by the time a viable technical solution could find its way to the market (via third party of Airbus itself) the market will have shifted. All of course IMHO.
Southwest is a B shop so there is nothing to see here. If the shareholders wanted an open procurement process, the Board would have insisted that an A-B analysis be performed. Let's move on.
I agree however running an airline means working with slim margins and (apparently) that leads to the need to perform such illegal acts. Absolutely not saying it is right however it may explain why. Are executive bonuses tied to performance? You bet, perhaps another contributor to such illegal acts. Corporate crime = slap on the wrist.