Originally Posted by JDiver

Not exactly.

When lounges first existed they were kind of like CK, by invitation to VIPs who could influence others supporting the airline. Some may have been top fliers, but more were industrialists, politicians, etc. Iirc they were ultimately required to have more egalitarian access due to civil rights legislation, as their “exclusivity” at least appeared to exclude most women, people of color, etc.

I’m surprised to see that the subject of D0 hasn’t been brought up, as IMO that has been a significant barrier to pre-departure lounge time.