I personally feel that it something that should change. I've flown with co-workers who haven't flown as much as I and have no status... but we are on full-fare J fares (~$10 000) but they didn't get their first choice. Needless to say, these people who fly 2 or 3 times a year generate more revenue than the odd E or SE who does it on the cheap doing mileage runs. I can recall AC bashing because of it from them and them wanting to fly with others the next time.