Originally Posted by
The Situation
It depends on how hard you are fighting to keep FO and how much value you receive. Add up the value of benefits you receive annually (upgrades, free checked bags) and compare that to how much extra you are spending to keep FO. If the value of benefits is > than your extra cost, its definitely worthwhile to maintain FO for the intangible benefits such as better IRROPs priority, priority checkin, and occasional waivers and favors.
And you left out the greatest intangible of all : the sense of dignity and self worth that comes from having airline status
(i'm only half joking)