^^^

And in their computer systems so that when the boarding card is scanned they immediately show the up-to-date status - and to confirm the BP hasn't been forged as it has been reported can happen.

I carry my card and always present it, and those of us who read FTalk mostly do the same, I'm sure. But many people simply don't understand in this day and age why it is necessary and I sympathize with that. Yes, everyone knows to carry their passport, but they also know it isn't necessary to arrive with a paper ticket, or even a ticket receipt. They find it hard to believe that the airline's systems are not up to showing their status immediately when they present their BP provided their executive club number is in the booking.

It gets a bit more difficult with other OW carriers, but I think we should understand that users of other FF programs are used to the fact that their card is pretty much superfluous. A friend with status on AA (Plat) and UA (GS) says he never really needed his cards until he tried to use the BA lounge at T5 and was denied entry. He didn't make a big fuss about it, and wasn't totally surprised because his AA number wasn't in the booking (his BA number was and he is Blue) - but he could tell them his AA number and I think it is a bit disappointing that the lounge dragons were unable to check that whereas other parts of BA's systems (such as ba.com when making a booking) can take in an AA number and instantly recognize the status.