I had something similar happen back in April travelling FLL-YYZ on points. I was booked FLL-YUL-YYZ (dont know why my SE KK couldn't get me direct but that was a different issue), and showed up to the airport in plenty of time to make several of the earlier flights. On the first flight the gate agent cleared us (me and mum) into Y seats (was on J reward), and I said no thanks, J or nothing. On the next flight I was in a better position to witness what was going on. As I was watching the gate agent clear people from the standby list, I saw our names move closer and closer to the top of the list. When we were listed as 1 and 2 on the standby list the flight still had 4 J seats left. The agent put a couple into 2 of the seats leaving us on the list with only 2 J seats remaining. Much to my surprise when paged to pick up boarding cards we had been assigned Y seats again. I queried the gate agent about J seats and she said sorry, no J seats available. I said no thanks, no J, no travel. She then cleared #3 and #4 from the list into seats 5D 5F. I was stunned. The 2 people that got cleared from the list ahead of us were not rev pax, they were employees (they had been standing by for a few flights and I saw their BPs and AC ID as they were chatting). I was furious. Some people may not pay attention, but dont F*** over a SE even when on a points ticket. Just as I was about to pick up my cell to call a concierge to help resolve my issue, I was paged to the desk. The gate agent apologized claiming that there had been 2 J seats that had freed up and that we were getting on the flight. My biggest question is... why do agents continue to clear people without following protocols? Yes it may be more difficult at times, but I've earned my status, and priority for standing by (either upgrade or earlier flight). Don't punish me for making a choice that is witin my rights based on AC policies.


edit - boy that one has been sitting inside for a while (could you tell???)