Way back when I was making my way up the ranks the CO OnePass Elite hierarchy, I was anxiously awaiting a gate upgrade to happen for a LAX-EWR flight.

I was Silver Elite at the time, and I was told, "You're first on the list, hopefully it'll work out," by the check-in agent.

As it got closer to boarding time, I checked again with the gate counter. "Doesn't look good, Mr. ETOPS," was the reply. "Have all the full-fare first passengers shown up?," I asked. "Nope," said the agent, "but you're still let's see... four... five... six... seventh on the list, and there's three seats still open."

"What? I was told a little earlier, a lot earlier, actually, that I was first on the list! Why am I now seventh?!," I asked, incredulous, but curious and courteous.

"Platinums and Golds," came back the succinct reply.

IT ALL MADE SENSE! Fair enough!

Why have the differentiation of tiers, otherwise?