But we don't have to pay for Preferred Plus and nor do I think there is an option for MVPs to do so -- although, paying the drink is obviously cheaper.

P.S. I'm not whining, I'm just sharing my confusion about "tier-ing benefits" in this way. I don't really care about the free drink or the paid drink. I know that Delta offers free drinks (note: plural as in more than one) for all passengers in their comfort + seating whether or not they paid for the seat -- I'm not sure about the other airlines matching this.

I just think it's foolish to make a point of only giving drinks to individuals who paid for the seat vs. all their elites in that section. Why reward the infrequent traveler who paid as little as 15$ extra for that seat vs. the frequent traveler who flies on your airline at least 20k miles per year?