Knope...I'm trying to respond to some specific items you had mentioned but my blackberry is having issues with the quotes feature today (...or maybe it's the user) so a new response will have to do.
1) Opening award travel for elites
I agree that if this is done it might have to be for a special category of elites higher than Executive level. This new category should be comprised of individuals who generate the most revenue for the airline, not simply those who fly often. Some customers may travel less than top-tier elites but purchase full fare coach tickets. These types of customers are far more lucrative to an airline than passengers who racks-up lots of miles on deeply discounted tickets.
The metrics for this program might not even have to be published as criteria could vary (full fare customers, key corporate clients, etc.). It could be by invitation only (similar to how other airlines handle things).
2) Free standby travel
IMO, this should be available to all elites, not just top-tier. However, top-tier customers can still easily be accommodated through prioritizing the standby list based on status.
Speaking of free, baggage fees should be waived for elites as well (If I remember correctly, non Executive level elites have to pay).
3) Why I won't be traveling Frontier much, if at all, in the coming months.
It's not because of anything Republic or Frontier has done. My company has asked me to relocate to Barcelona, Spain for a two year assignment. We finally got the visa issues with my wife worked out this week so once all of the paperwork is finalized (a 4-5 month process) we'll he heading overseas. I'll be back in the States periodically for home leave and business meetings but most of my travel will be trans-Atlantic or within Europe. Unless Frontier has plans of expanding into international markets within the next few months, I won't have an opportunity to fly them much.
However, I will keep my frequent flier account active and will continue to participate on FlyerTalk (time permitting, of course).