I have always been Continental Europe based, and my husband was US-based before changing his address to Continental Europe. I joined in 1998 or 1999, and it was not possible to join on any fare and the cheapest fares (although they were twice as expensive as today) gave me nothing. I don't think the terms were any different for him as a US-based member. We rarely had enough miles to upgrade or redeem. So my memories of the late 90s BAEC are very different from yours. BAEC was very much focused on those travelling in premium classes/on full fare in Y. And this is where BAEC seems to be going again now. So, while not much may have changed to W/J/F flyers, Y flyers do not have it as bad as we did 10-15 years ago.