It seems to me that the customer would have enjoyed the privileges of elite status by presenting on time for the flight for which the ticket was purchased. Doesn't the customer have an obligation to do that? Isn't it clearly understood that things are very likely to be forfeited with many fare classes if the customer doesn't do that? Should any of the consequences of the customer's failure to show up on time be borne by other passengers on other flights, rev or non-rev? (By the way, I am NOT an airline employee.)