Actually I fully understand this. It is the term "protecting the integrity of the cabin" that makes me laugh. I do remember when BA flew with empty seats in CW and F but now they ram them with random passengers. I agree you shouldn't nurture an expectation for top status passengers to get upgraded all the time like with NA airlines. I still don't understand why BA's higher status fliers can't be given an opportunity to UuA at T-24 or less rather than random op-ups for free. BA would still be further ahead revenue wise as an Avios liability would be drawn down.