CO offers Elite Access to infrequent flyers who buy Y tickets. I have been told that they can upgrade for a $50 fee, in advance (at time of ticketing).

The upgrade system is a courtesy to FF when there are unsold FC seats. If the high fare infrequent passenger wants an upgrade - let them buy a Y fare and pay the $50. The possibility of an upgrade, when FC seats are unsold, is an advertised benefit - a courtesy to those that spend a lot of time in CO seats, regardless of fare.

Infrequent high fare passengers - are either those that fly another airline most of the time - and only need to fly CO for this one non-stop, or are such an infrequent traveller - that in the long run - there business is not significant. Now if a large percentage of passengers fell in this category - it would be great for CO, however, this is a very small number of people.