To each his (or her) own, but not every road warrior looks at it like that. I've been one for 30 years.

If I'm traveling less than 500 miles, all I want is an airline that runs on-time and has a lot of flights to choose from in case my plans change at the last minute. The Eastern Shuttle was very successful without preassigned seats or a first-class cabin, even though it flew blue-bloods. For an hour or so in the air, I can put up with anything.

When I fly cross-country or international, then I definitely want a big seat up front... peace and quiet, manners, and champagne.