I think that the 1981 date for AA is correct. Going back much before the programs came into effect would be a bit of a stretch for me, but I can discuss the mid-eighties range.

I started flying in earnest in the mid to late eighties. The programs were pretty basic at first, with just straight miles and no real stratification as to elite status. The few first class gigs that I could swing back then were the result of offering to be bumped.

This happened a couple of times on AA, and it seems that the gate agents had a number of seats to give out at their discretion to those persons who were nice at the gate. Being a slender (sniffle, sniffle) young buck who was dreadfully outgoing and volunteered to be bumped, etc., I was upgraded a number of times. Wearing a full suit helped a great deal, too.

It seems that the rapid proliferation and expansion of the FF programs starting in the late eighties pretty well ended some of the gate agent's discretion with regard to upgrading (although they sure as heck still have some). This is a good thing for us higher level elite fliers, in that we now get the FC based upon number of miles, etc.

It is also a good thing because I am a plodding, harried old businessman with three kids, a wife and a barking dog to annoy me. Hence, playing cute blond puppy is no longer effective. Ah, but if only I could get back to the 150 pound stage. Sniffle, sniffle.