Just curious,

Would those who view this as stealing consider it theft to walk down front at an Montreal Expos game when you have nose-bleed seats? (Expos stadium is usually near empty.) Of course, many of you would never attend the game in the first place but that is not the point.

I believe the principle is the same. Should someone shout "thief!!!?"

I would not do it because first class is a take-it-or-leave-it proposition for me - miles are more important. However, I think most of you would have a double standard in regards to my example.
"Oh c'mon, there's empty seats down there."