Is it the agents or the customers? I read some posts on FT and think that people are flying on a different airline entirely. I have literally NEVER had a problem with an agent. I treat them with respect and kindness....I don't travel with business cards for the FAA....I don't travel with printouts of rules. I let agents do their jobs, and I make reasonable requests if inconvenienced.

I had a recent experience where I was "viper"ed off of a flight. It was a LONG international flight and I showed up at the gate (unknown that I had been taken off) with no reservation. They gave me middle seats/non-reclining in the back row (that's all that was left). There was no anger...just a chuckle....I asked if I could wait for boarding to complete before getting on in case any aisles opened up. Respectfully...cheerfully. I get it...things happen. I was rewarded with a seat in Delta One (they would have had to op up two passengers anyway). I am 100% positive it was my attitude that yielded that seat. Based on the route, I guarantee there were other DM/MM on a higher fare than me.