I don't necessarily agree it's nonsense; it's a complex topic. Yes, people who don't travel much are not likely to have material impact, but in the few flights each year, some factors are being contributed to on a particular flight.

The larger effect is FCM. Airlines are running parallel incremental revenue grab scheme; striking be right balance between retaining returning customers, dangling the possibility of upgrades, and incentivize ad hoc customers to buy up. Airlines win regardless.