Tell me about it! You can fly EWR-DUB for less than you can EWR-CLE! I know the CO sycophants oft decry the 2500 mile $200 transcon poor ol' CO has to have for competitive reasons, but these same people conveniently overlook CO's gouging $500 for the 112 mile CLE-CMH flight. I figure it all averages out. So, don't waste any pity on CO.
Let's all open our eyes. CO (like every airline--and every business!) will charge as much as it can on every flight, as long as it perceives that price to maximize profits. The elite program, as well as any and all customer perks, is there for that sole purpose. CO is not your friend. It's not in business to do you or me any favors. CO is in business to maximize shareholder value. And if that's not the case, then chipmunk-cheek Lar' Baby has some splainin' to do to the shareholders.