Very much agree. If a newbie falls for it once then fine, nothing lost. Thet do not upgrade and they get the hotel paid for at the intermediate stop. What's the big deal.

If a 1K or a 1P falls for it, then they deserve all the penalties that come with it: ugs not clearing, less miles, more flight time. That is just simple and just Darwinism.

I have a very close 1K 2MM friend who just lost an upgrade thanks to booking a direct flight. His suffering in coach is the only way he'll ever learn. If that is not fair, I don't know what fair means.
I love them. Only way to utilise flight coupons and airpasses to the max. Especially as you can always call the 1K desk after the booking and try to have the continuations broken.