There are some routes where J will be quite full if not completely so: YVR-YYZ is generally in this state, not due to revenue but to upgrading for overbooking. Same would hold for YYZ-MIA flights, which are often overbooked in the back. My transborders to/from ORD have been very light in the back, as well as in the front since 9.11.

Why can't AC recognize they could generate additional revenue by selling us V fares and permitting confirmed upgrading, than letting us sit it out on a Q fare, and still likely get an operational upgrade on certain flights? Hell, if Empress can now get an operational, anyone can!