I'm also sure that most *G can afford $25 for lounge access, but would you want that as a 'condition' of a bag-only fare? I see that both lounge access and an extra 20kg (or an extra piece) are benefits of being *G. Afterall, how much money has been spent in gaining/maintaining status? Way in excess of these 'small amounts' I suggest.

And I think we can be assured that AirNZ won't go broke by providing *G members 20kg or 1 piece, even on a 'seat-only' fare !

Cheers, TK