My first flight as an MVPG is next month so I'll let you know as far as upgrades are concerned. The other day I booked a flight in K class (not for U space, just because it was the lowest available) and I was able to instantly upgrade to Premium Class seats so that was my first benefit of my newly minted MVPG status. I don't know whether or not the "herd has thinned"--in my head, this IS the year to more easily earn MVPG or 75K status so the ranks should increase, but I doubt that will happen for at least two reasons...#1) Unlike myself, many earn status based on business trips and actually needing to get from point A to point B and business travel has mostly dried up....#2) Some are still uncomfortable flying during the pandemic so they are making a personal choice not to fly.