Ah yes, "whats in it for me???!!!!!".

So if you have more than two in your party you are (rightly) upset that you cannot get everyone together in C+. But if you have less than two you are (rightly) upset that the seats are all gone if someone does that.

I see only two alternatives here -

1. Become top tier on both airlines (I did this but it is A LOT of flying).
2. WFBF.

Personally I am coming off the massive travel since my job is changing. I won't miss the status one bit. I will just buy the class of service and schedule I want and not worry about these ridiculous scraps for which the airlines make us beg.