Sorry to disillusion you - management don't get the perks either unless you are a CEO.
But the guy has a point - we don't liaise like we used to and we understand less and less about what each other is doing. I had the terrific experience of sitting next to a London TMA controller once - and I was utterly stunned at the pressure this lady was under - and completely in awe of how well she finessed it all. Since then I give a little brief-ette on how things are in the ATCC when my trainee asks for higher or a direct. Similarly, a controller on the jump seat once said to me that he was stunned to find out that my primary function wasn't just sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for his next call - I actually was quite busy, and he saw how calls could be missed.
If I had my way you'd tavel First every time - except hardly any of us have 'First' any more!