Seems you're completely missing the point. The baseline experience is much worse for the same or more cost. Of course spending (a lot) more money gets you a better experience. That's probably part of why they make the baseline experience so unbearable.

> for the same or more cost

Adjust for inflation, and baseline tickets are cheaper than they were a decade ago, and significantly cheaper than they were a decade before that. The only reason the difference isn't even more significant is that prices are now at the point that it's nigh-impossible to cut anything further and still have a functional flight.

Interesting if true, I hadn't noticed that.

Air Canada has a premium economy option on many flights, that costs like 20-50% extra for more width and legroom. I've never been tempted by it though— until there's a lie-flat bed it's still just going to be a long uncomfortable sit no matter what.

I wonder how many people do pay for it vs just get it as a status/points upgrade.