Thanks also Knowitall. The only comment I have is that while the revenue loss may be theoretical, is it real? I have been on about 6 transatlantic NW flights from EWR/DTW/PHL. In virtually all of these there were plenty of empty WBC seats. By changing the policy, NW is saying that it intends to fill those seats with passengers paying $5,000+ for a seat tht many of us consider overpriced. I wonder how they intend to accomplissh this feat. If its far from full now with (I presume they know how many upgrade passengers there are), then it may be close to empty if they take out these passengers. It will be interesting to see what happens.
Also, it will be interesting to see what "middle ground" becomes. I for one, mihg be willing to cough up, say $50 OW in cash to defray the cost of meals, wine etc. I hope they find a reasonable solution.
Good job, knowitall.