I think "OK" status means that EVERYONE that has an "OK" status is "in the same boat"... That is, one person's "OK" isn't better than someone else's "OK" status, regardless of fare paid, class, elite level etc.

A carrier may "CONSIDER" full fare first class passengers more valuable, but "CONSIDERING" that, and following the law, in particular the laws of disclosure and fraud are two very different things. I really believe a Judge would say that airlines should be required to disclose pecking orders at time of ticket purchase... at a minimum, force them to put it into the Contracts. Unfortunately, most Judges probably travel First Class, and might have a personal incentive to continue to keep the pecking orders secret.

And yes, an auction for seats isn't the best solution, but the point I was making was that it was OPEN to everyone, and fair to all. It's not a big secret hidden pecking order determining things...

And to Ken, who thinks I'm not a frequent flyer, ("not for one minute..."), perhaps you should spend LESS time wondering about my travel schedules, and a little MORE time thinking about how self-important you must feel.

Oh, wouldn't it be interesting to see the replies if this topic were on a NON frequent flyer board... that is, a BOARD of the vast majority of travelers, who usually travel in economy class, and expect only transportation between two points. I doubt one of them would think fare paid should even remotely be considered in rebooking distressed passengers....AND ONE MORE POINT: IF fare paid is the most crucial factor in determing the pecking order, are you suggesting that ticket agents put in monetary order, and give preference to those that paid the MOST for a ticket for priority on the next available flight? Remember, there may be a First Class passenger who paid $1,000 for a ticket, and ANOTHER First Class passenger who paid $800 for the same ticket... Does the $800 guy get left stranded? We don't know, cause airlines won't disclose things they should be REQUIRED to disclose... and I DON'T trust corporate America... look at today's stock market tumble, and ask yourself if you trust most corporations... And what if there are TWO first class passengers, who paid the same amount for their ticket, and have the same elite level with the airline... who gets to go, and who gets stranded? What's fair in that situation?
Jim