Particularly for elite flyers, there sometimes seems to be a "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy on back to backs, especially if you don't involve a travel agent (creating a double-comission).

IMO,the res. agent was trying to do you a favor as best she could with supervisors hanging around. Your "friend" should accept the res. agent's advice and QUIETLY make a go of it.

BTW, sometimes the FT Edit feature comes in REAL handy if one cares what airline lurkers may read on this board (file that under Even Paranoids Have Enemies)...hint, hint, hint...