My historical reference is the United States airline industry of the 1910s. At that time there were 200 companies across the nation. Factors such as war, depression, innovation, consumer demands and management were all factors the success of companies remained. With that in mind how many airline companies exist in the United States today?

(I think I am about to answer my own question here.)

Markets in their infancy seem to share the 'wealth' as the novelty of the idea or product is introduced. However as competition grows the market always determine which ideas remain, which ideas need to be retooled and which need to die. Once the market is established, it comes down to the management of the business.

Take away: Just because United has a good quarter doesn't mean that American will share the success. The same can be said that for Bitcoin juxtaposed to Steem as cryptocurrencies gain greater mainstream adoption.