Another 'junior' member weighing in:

Probably I'm one of the few on this board who pays out of my own pocket to fly first or business domestically four or five times a year. I also use FF miles to upgrade to first or biz on United when I can.

From my viewpoint, I'm significantly less grumpy about not getting my choice of meal when I've upgraded from a discount economy fare than when I've paid (the hefty) full freight.

I understand it makes sense for very frequent flyers to feel entitled and I don't mind. After all, in any given year, very frequent flyers spend on average way more than I do to fly.

It's clear, however, that United gets their quid-pro-quo with me. Their FF program keeps me darn loyal, even when I'm not using miles to upgrade. And, I'm willing to shell out my own bucks to avoid steerage.

Cheers,
KatW