You need to spend a huge amount of money on most airlines before they make you feel warm and fuzzy
I fly long-haul 2 or 3 times a year, and probably average around a dozen or so short-haul sectors a year. Not exactly your "Gold" Frequent Flyer. However, I have quite often been "bumped forward" to where the seats are comfy and food is good.
This is with GF - I have flown around the Gulf with most of the local outfits, and I prefer the GF experience, so I tend to stay with them. Had some "breakdown delays",but I don't think there's any airline in this part of the world that has an exceptionally good on-time record!