For the leisure traveller like me its all to do with age.
When i was 20, it wouldnt have entered my head to travel anything other than the cheapest economy i could find, but i'm over 50 now and have more disposable income. As i get older i think well if i cant have a few pleasures in life then what has been the point in living it.
Thats not to say that i dont look out for bargains, i do, but i now value creature comforts more than i did at your age.
And yes, i earn more money now than i did at 20.