This is a great topic.

I agree that some people are obnoxious. FF flyers, tourists, non-revs, etc. I have never said I'm Platinum or Gold or whatever to anyone in order to get anything. I think you look foolish. I do however think that you should receive the benefits that are earned by making the various level of status programs.

I use the from section to tell people what status levels I currently hold. I am proud of it and as a road warrior, self-employed, as if that really mattered. I use the from section to try and see where the poster may be coming from.

I like the perks and I usually get them. I pay what I need to to receive the service level that I want within my budget. I have never ask for compensation for a mistake, never moved rooms because I didn't like them. I just don't use that airline or hotel anymore. Some people complain and if they are satisfied they stay with them. I don't move my business at the drop of a hat, but if I don't like the service I receive I start looking for an alternative. I not sure the airlines and hotels don't prefer the complainers. With them they actually may get more chances.

As to the perks, I like them. Bigger is better. Getting on first is better. Getting off first is better. First class service and food is generally better than coach. I know I have been in both. In first the seat is wider, thats better. There is ussually more leg room. That is better. I meet more interesting people in first. The conversations with my seat mates seems to be better. We can relate in many cases.

I leave you with this thought. I forgot that my kids last day of school was today. I was in Tampa this morning. My ticket do to fare was TPA-MIA-IAH-DFW. I wasn't going to be home until 6 pm. I got up early went to the airport. Asked to standby to MIA. GA said no problem, got on with the upgrade. In MIA went to the GA and asked to standby for direct to DFW. She gave me a boarding pass upgraded right then. No fees, no hassle. Being nice helped, status made it happen. Great flights, got home at 1:10 pm, went and say my kids get awards at school.

I have flown many miles on many airlines with out status. Status makes a difference, it makes my traveling and my life easier and more effective when working.

I don't care about the wine or the chocolates, some do. I care about priority checkin, boarding, upgrades, and standby.

I try and be nice. I respect everyone and want to be respected. Fly with status for a year, then without for a year, I think you will rethink some of the things that you laugh at now.