Can't speak for others.
For me: It's nice to know I have staff travel.
Unfortunately,I only go away in school holidays,along with everyone else.
Therefore,even with a lot of seniority there will probably not be 4 spare seats on the popular routes.
I,therefore,book full fare tickets so I know I will not spend my hols at the airport.
I am grateful that I have staff travel as I have used it a few times in the past,and I am sure that I will in the future when the children are older and we are not tied to school hols.
If I were a commuter who had lost staff travel I would have a different story to tell.