The same question lingers in my mind from time to time and it would usually take another (non-flying) person to recite the question... My conclusion is pretty much the same as bagold's...I like being treated well on the air and at the destination when I travel and I will always set aside funds to ensure my comfort. And with the decrease in my travel fund next year due to a recent home purchase (and all the subsequent unexpected expenses), so would my travel. I will fly enough to make mid-tier and that's where I am stopping. Of course one thing I would NOT do is a 12-hour mileage run. I like to stay at least for a day or two AND actually leave the airport.