Not completely the same, I know, but I believe Kirby has lifetime travel on AA, and Smisek got same from UA confirmed vs space available -- I think for family too. Theirs would be taxable I assume and not come with miles, but still wonder how many airline employees get this and what it costs the airlines.

If the company made a bad business decision (in retrospect) that's on them. Why blame the person who accepted their bargain? That's capitalism.