The entire issue about employer-paid travel is a red herring.
If third parties, e.g. employers, cared about this stuff, they would negotiate miles and elite perks out of corporate contracts as some are now doing with hotel chains. But, they don't generally do so, although a few have moved to BULK fares. The impact on fares is likely so minimal and the positive for employees so great, that the broader business community could care less who gets to board first. Additionally, status benefits such as bag fee waivers, are a direct benefit to the employer which would otherwise have to pick up those fees.