subsidized initially but now it has to show balance sheet like any pubic company after ipo, unlike gulf airlines which continue to receive cash injections with no accountability. anyway, for the direct sfo-sin route, sia is still the best considering the only competition is united. of course, if booked in u.s. fares are cheaper than those booked in sg. it is obviously targeted at the american market.
For me it is probably EVA Air. As I mention EVA Air offers the Premium Economy class which provides a bit more room but not at the cost of a business class ticket.
United is for those who want to accumulate flyer flyer miles.