Fly Boy: If the firm is willing to pay for full J class on flights over 2 hours, then obtain comp Elite status is not that important (as compared to getting some sort of price break as part of the deal) because the people who fly will achieve Elite quickly. Doesn't paid J class travel give you much the same benefits, e.g. lounge access, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, etc.?

FewMiles..