The fact that these programs obscure or even hold hostage the different fare classes is what I really dislike about them. The only fare class that you can get realistic, transparent pricing on is the most basic economy class. Sometimes "premium economy" as well. Anything higher than that has a suggested price that is ludicrous, often being 10x an economy fare, which nobody in their right mind would pay, yet the seats always end up filled. They end up going to people with "status" or some other angle used to slide into the higher class seat. It's annoying because I am willing to pay a higher price for a better experience, but I don't want to play status games across 5 different airlines.