AC knows that its Es and SEs are the customers most savvy and likely to be in a situation to standby. The ordinary traveller or basic member is unlikely to have this need. Thus, AC encourages these "best customers" to purchase fares that permit this standby. It is now a feature of an enhanced discounted ticket. To give this flexibility aware defeats the revenue-enhancement objectives. Why should a L, N or Q ticket have the same flexibility as a more costly V or H ticket? If you buy a VW you don't expect the same quality and equipment as found on a BMW. Airlines for too long gave these things away, thus debasing the value of their most expensive product: why pay more when one can get the same benefits for less? You are unlikely to agree with this, but that's how AC and most other airlines see the matter. You try standing by on a N-class ticket on BA and see how they treat you.