Originally Posted by
IAH-OIL-TRASH
There's actually no reason why the $8000 passenger can't be the 15th (instead of 115th) to board in your scenario. He doesn't have to stand at the back of BG1.
Exactly, just as now, those who care about boarding order can choose to line up early.
The 1K preboarding "controversy" has obscured what is probably the most meaningful aspect of the announced changes, which is putting UA Gold and *A Gold ahead of credit card holders. That is very obviously the right move and something that was long overdue.