I'm not really sure what you mean, but if you are referring to the fact that many FTers put their statuses in the "From" field, there is actually a very sane, rational and well-thought-out reason that has nothing to do with ego. Since this is a board about FF, it is simply a shorthand way for a reader to put the comments of the poster in perspective. It's something that I encourage all FTers to do.

As for the overriding theme of the thread, I am a big ol' eliteist and will not apologize for it. Heck, I'm a status whore!!! The service providers set up expectations that ought to be met when you meet their criteria. And, IMO and IME, those are (and sould be) MINIMUM expectations. When minimum expectations are not met, one is very justified in complaining. I dont "get off on it" that I'm gettting a perk that someone else isnt. When one travels so darn much it just gets very, very exhausting unless you are able to do it in a little bit of style. Service providers recognize this and are willing to trade those perks for my loyalty. This is a win/win here.

I wholeheartedly agree, however, that as a customer, I get far more from being nice then by being surly. Sure, I whine when things dont go my way. But in general getting .....y takes a bad situation and makes it worse.