We'll have to agree to disagree- but DJ's lack of focus on a particular segment of the market, whilst trying to chase J pax in the abstract, can't help but look confused.
E190s at both ends of the day is probably their best bet to lock in a (admittedly reduced) J following.
On int connections, unless you're getting a fantastic price or schedule forces you to fly via SYD (this is particularly true of outbound trips to the east coast of the US), I don't know anyone in Canberra who doesn't fly out via Melbourne. Within that, more than three quarters will do the domestic leg on QF. This has been assisted in no small part- anecdotally, at least- by EK's breakup with DJ.
On the evening flights ex CBR to MEL, if CASA regs allowed, even the RAAF could charge whatever they like at peak times for pax to be carried on netting and bench seating. Not a reflection on DJ not struggling, more of a reflection on the extent to which it's a commuter market.
And on the freeway, that's true, but only up to a point. If you're wanting to leave CBR around the last jet flight (which APS people who have to leave town will more often than not aim for) and return some time the next day, you're not always going to have a spare six hours in that time frame. And if work is paying you TA, why kill a huge chunk of it on hotel parking, whether it's your car or a rental?