yes the first time this happened i was surprised.
i booked a ticket for my cousin who has no status--so since she has no status i had to pay for her J award ticket despite it coming form my EXP account. alas.
one thing i still do not get either is when i book online via ba for paid ticekts, the site seems unable to notice my OW status and still charges me for seat assignments even though in certain instances i'm allowed.