Has that always been there? Or was it just introduced with the new Super Sparpreis concept? I was just a little annoyed at having been caught out today. Didn't bother to check the rules as I have always had access on normal Sparpreis tickets. I can understand the Interrail and other passes being excluded from lounge access, though. Thank goodness not too many of the airlines do such things. One exception is S7 Airlines of Russia, which permits no lounge access or extra miles for upgrades bought online.
As an aside, I greatly appreciated the trip in 1. Klasse today from Brussels to Oberhausen, with a change in Cologne. It made for a calm, comfortable and less tiring trip.