I am usually in paid F domestic and D or I for international business. I order my meals in advance on most flights.

On some international flights, especially when I have upgraded to first, they have gone around taking orders not "FEBO" (I know that is no longer the actual method) but rather by some other hierarchy. Even with my pre-order they will come to me and talk to me early in the process. After taking orders from some individuals in the cabin they will then revert to the standard process.

Only happens on some flights so do not think that it is a standard process but rather an attempt by that particular crew to take care of high status passengers. Just my personal experience.

In the long run I do not see any problem in taking care of the highest value customers first as long as it is consistent and people are made aware of the process.