Comping elite status is pretty much always a one-time deal. If an airline comps status, it's because they believe it will remove a barrier to using them for a lot of travel. If you don't come through, don't expect them to do it again. In other words, don't ask for it just to prove you can get it, to collect a luggage tag, or if you want to board early for a flight or two.

As for pocketing the difference: a few years back a client sent me to Nice. (Wish it happened more often!) They were willing to pay for a business class ticket. I asked them up front if they'd pay the same if I bought an economy ticket, since I'd rather have the $$ than the more comfortable seat. They said "fine," so I did. I ended up upgrading one way with miles and got a 4-across center section to sleep on the other. The extra income was, of course, taxable, since I could only deduct what I actually paid for my ticket from what I billed them for the project.

This was all open and above board. I don't believe I did anything remotely unethical or illegal. I have no reason to believe A.A. did. Unless someone else does, I suggest we ease off.