I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree on this one, because I can think of zero good business reasons why you would pay for employee travel when you can make it happen for free. And to your question about being a DM in back...if you want to fly up front, work for a company that buys F seats for all of its employees. Then make plans to work for another company in six months when that one's out of business. I have zero sympathy for someone who complains because they didn't get a free upgrade to F on a ticket that their company paid for--whether that payment was cash or points.

I guess I could see the argument in the travel agent telling you that it's a non-rev ticket, making you ineligible for miles and upgrades. Again, though, if/when word gets back to your boss that you're always asking the corporate travel department whether your ticket is eligible for MQMs and upgrades, someone's probably going to have a little chat with you about the company not existing to fund your SkyMiles account.

Crappy policy from the standpoint of the DM who has to put up with the draconian seating arrangements of EC or an exit row? Sure, but from the eyes of those who have to sign those checks at the end of the month, it's a great way to maximize corporate resources, and one that deserves a pat on the back for its ingenuity.