And even more trivial to weasel out of a losing argument by pretending one doesn't understand what a reservation/confirmation is, when the terms are defined in the documents linked here, as well as defined by the DoT in a very simple, easy to read/understood piece, and used in common form as most people (even non-frequent fliers) can understand.

You state "boarding pass". That's nice. We know what one is. We also know what a reservation is. One gets a reservation most of the times BEFORE the boarding pass, so one should know what it is. One can obtain a BP without a reservation. That is called "standby" and the rules are very specific and clear, standby travel is not eligible for IDB comp due to the fact that one does not hold a confirmed reservation.

I hope you can see the simplicity of the situation. By trying to bring non-pertinant statements into the argument, statement that have no basis in fact or regulations, it is you (or the side that argues that a standby passenger is entitled to IDB comp) who "muddy the waters". The waters are clear, unless you try to obscure them with mud and dirt that is not part of the water, kicking around and flailing. The water is calm and clear, easy to see into and understand. Introduce dirt that does not apply, and you may make it muddy, unclear, and difficult to understand. Don't do that, use the appropriate rules, and it is very simple.