I agree with the school of thought that says that when checking in, either online, at kiosk, or with agent, provide a free drink coupon, if not upgraded.
***********
If you trusted your workers you would also be able to provide possibly a piece of chocolate when boarding ,a sweet flight, tacky but works and everyone sees it. Even if they provided a $1 bar to every elite traveler then how much is $1 off of a ticket. I was thinking even a small piece that will be a fraction of that cost.Only Elite travelers not nonelite BF or F passengers.
***********
How about the personalized luggage tags that we always mention.
Skyteam elite security line at EWR Terminal B
Ability to purchase discounted NJtransit tickets between EWR and New York Penn or Newark Penn station.