This really isn't that bad for non elites, especially for short flights. You can pick an aisle or window seat. Bring a carry on and volunteer it for gate checking. Or, if you have the credit card, check the bag for free. You end up sitting slightly further back than you otherwise would have, but not that much further, since most of the front seats are premium or elite-only anyway.
Basically it's a $20/flight charge to use your elite benefits.