But if you want to parse semantics, selling them for a small fee is a kind of upgrade, an "upgrade for a small fee" - they are not selling them at full price, correct? so they can't really be considered revenue tickets. Therefore, the space "is" upgradeable, and should be given to the elites on the waitlist.

If what has been written, however, is the new company line (despite Missy saying it is not), these GA's didn't just make this up, this is what they have been told to do.

And it stinks. Whoever said why even bother to spend the money and fly the miles to get status is right - why even bother?