While frequent flyer socialism is a nice concept, and some actually practice it, what is good for the group is not always good for the individual. I believe the phrase "1k lite" is an example. 1K's that "earned it the hard way" were peeved that some were given the same status by taking a late developing short cut to their same status, thus having new competition for the same finite perks. Few got to the top of the food chain by thinking of "the rest of you", not Rockerfeller, not Vanderbilt, not Gates, not Buffett, certainly not Tilton. It's only in their later years, after they were done being "top dog" that they thought about the common man. How many posts have we seen where FT members complained that the GA didn't enforce the boarding order and the lesser man was permitted to board with the FT elite, and sometimes, even ahead of them?

One can't fault someone for being a capitalist in a capitalistic society. As long as benefits can be scarce, many people will behave like their instincts, being territorial, protective, and fighting to do what benefits themselves best. All those that claim loyalty to UA and are saying they are leaving...are they doing it to give back to the other guy, or to get what they think is best for them?

FT as an info sharing site is very socialist, but individual posters in their actual behavior are not as self-sacraficing as their theoretical rants/ discussions. There are many exceptions to this, but as a whole people's individual actions are geared to toward their own best interests, and after that, the charity starts. Many offer expiring SWU's for very little, but few offer fresh ones they may use to others for the same "karmic" feedback.