Originally Posted by
the810
Where I think AFKL's thinking goes wrong is that based on what Ben wrote, they seemingly believe this will make people purchase higher fares to earn XP. That's not the case. It will make people purchase higher fares to get those services. The main difference between the two scenarios is that the latter doesn't require loyalty to AFKL and customer may book with any airline.
That's the nail on the head for why such a move would immediately make me look at other airlines. If I must pay more, even in long-haul J (majority of my travel), to earn a status that brings me benefits that are normally included in higher fares, then I will definitely shop around.
If I need to buy a Semi-Flex fare to get the amount of XP I need to obtain status, but it already includes the benefits anyway, then why should I try to get status? Even LHG's equivalent of a Semi-Flex fare likely includes those features and indirectly, FB would then encourage me to be a free agent. On the other hand, rewarding people with extra XP for higher fares could push people in that direction, just like those who spend on SAF.