There is a benefit to EXPs by holding off on clearing...
If the followed this suggestion to a T:
lets says as an EXP you need to make a change to a flight that you already had upgraded. It is T-23, you do a same day standby to a different flight.....guess what? All upgrades on the new flight are gone, at 100 they gave EXPs, at 72 the plts, at whatver the rest of them. F is full, with a few GLDs and PLTs you would have 'out-statussed' and you sit in coach.
Whether they clear at 100, 72, etc or day of departure or at the gate, the end result is the same. (all right, marginally better as maybe AA lost some F customers if the fill F at 100 hrs)
While irksome to EXPs, the current system is -IMO- a net benefit overall. Less so if you are PLT or GLD though
(yes, there is the whole seat choice and meal service thing... I dont fly to eat)
