Flame me if you will, but this is another reason why I would prefer a system where the EUA wouldn't run until ~2-3 hours before the flight. This would allow FC the following day to remain open except for FC purchases in case weather or another issue causes a ton of people to be rolled over.

My other reason for believing in a system like this is because when I buy a last minute, full fare ticket, I'm often sitting in the back while lower elites on lower tickets are sitting in FC. OH, and it would allow Plats to get companion upgrades before silver/golds got an EUA.

The only drawback (that I see) to this system is baggage. If you get to the airport before the EUA were to run with extra/heavy bags, you'll be charged but might get bumped up to FC where your extra/heavy bags were free.