I've never noticed meal service on NW not starting from the front in F. But then, most of my segments are short and don't have meals.

I agree that taking orders just by elite status, although it might be "fair", it just seems incongruous. Once you're up front, F is F is F.

I think it would be best for NW to pick a protocol and stick with it, and then seat their elites accordingly. Easier said then done I know.