From the chat with Rupert:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Will Air Canada reconsider the same-day standby policy and let status members standby for flights on any fare?
Rupert Duchesne
I'm sorry, but no - this policy has helped both AC's airport processes and inventory management to make sure that premium-fare paying customers get seats on peak flights. It's based on a philosophy of sticking to the integrity of the fare conditions tht=at the passenger has paid for and whilst we do make exceptions because of operational imperatives, we'll not go back on this TQ
</font>
I really don't agree with what he said. Standbys are processed after everyone confirmed are loaded on and usually right before the flight closes, I just don't see how that effects premium paying passengers.
Simply more nickel and diming. Otherwise, why does this rule only applies to domestic flight? Stupid IMO.