Originally Posted by
eigenvector
Maybe the reason many infrequent flier pax don't buy preferred seats is that they assume the most basic option will not be something that may cause actual physical pain.
Excellent post, and very well put. Your 'bread' analogy is bang-on.
There's a consumer expectation - quite justifiably - that the standard Y product offered by an airline should suffice for safety, an "acceptable" level of comfort, and service. That's why, IMO, most fliers don't buy up to extra legroom seats.
In most cases on AC, the standard Y product meets these basic requirements (and in fact surpasses them).
In some, though, it doesn't. (Ie Rouge 319s, for many body types)
One should have to pay extra if you want extra comfort, extra legroom, or enhanced service. But if you're a normal-sized individual, there should be no expectation or requirement that one should have to pay a premium to avoid physical discomfort (or worse).
It's not a question of people being too cheap or having overly lofty expectations.