This is an example of stort-term beancounting thinking that will probably produce a very different outcome for Qantas than expected.

In my example, I am 200cm tall and fly mostly for leisure, it was a real benefit of status to be able to usually get an exit row seat through checking-in early at the Business check-in and I was seriously considering making it (through flying Economy) to Platinum to be able to preselect those seats.

However, in the new setting, I will loose this major benefit of status and I do not really see the justification for paying extra for an exit row seat. The most likely result will be: When I fly, I will pay for the exit row seat, but I will fly much less with Qantas!

Sadly, Qantas seems to copy aspects of LCC such as Jetstar. When do we have to pay for entertainment or "premium" food in Economy?