Originally Posted by
El Boocho
I'm generalizing here, and that is of course dangerous, but I think most people at 4MM (under the current rules) or more are older than 60 and probably wealthier than most. They likely place a premium on time. Therefore, they are more likely to just pay for first on the most convenient flight. The core benefits between paid F/J and having status aren't terribly significant. My annual comp gold doesn't keep me on delta. It's other factors. Similarly my Marriott LT Titanium doesn't push me to Marriott properties. In fact it pushes me away when there is another preferable option. I'm less willing to "sacrifice" and stay at the worn Marriott or Sheraton when there is a Hyatt nearby. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks this way...
I’d generally agree with you except in the case of domestic travel. Even those who are well off (and there are clearly levels of that) may not feel like paying for F, especially for shorter flights (as opposed to overnight transoceanic flights). In that case, status for upgrades can make a difference. Gold won’t help with upgrades, tho Platinum does.