If this change is really a "non-issue" for Platinum and Gold elites as you state in your title, then why not let us continue to select exit rows and preferred seating free of charge? There's no need to slap Platinums and Golds in the face if the effect of the program with regard to us is much ado about nothing.

And why does NW want to alienate its Silver elites? Surely there are more Silver elites than any other type of elites in terms of sheer numbers. And Silver elites are more likely to wind up riding in coach because their upgrades are less likely to clear. Thus, being able to select a better coach seat for free was one of the few remaining perks for Silvers. And it is a perk that virtually every other legacy carrier continues to offer its lowest tier elites. What incentive remains for Silvers to stick with NW? Other than sadomasochistic Silvers, that is?