You are correct in that it would suck for a non-elite. This is a benefit for Golds and Platinums, which really does not make up that many fliers. However, we do tend to fly the most, so we do tend to change plans the most.

Honestly though, the airlines main purpose is to make money. They tend to make more money by keeping their top fliers happy than they do in accomodating non-elites, which may or may not ever fly the airline again (especially if they are on a spring break trip, or family vacation and booked the "best" available flight).

It would be nice if everything in life were "fair" but it is true that Membership does have its Benefits. This is another reason NWA does not give out Lifetime Elite status. It makes you fly every year to earn it and keep it, so the extra benefits are beneficial to the traveler and the airline.