So the only acceptable answer is "Because that's the way We've always done it!" If asked why your way is better.

Seniority determines alot of things. I don't commute and will happily take whatever both groups want. IMHO, I think we may be losing something if a flight departs with a 23 year old new hire in the jumpseat while the 30 year widebody Captain watches from the terminal because his smartphone reservation skills were sorely lacking. Especially if he ate the pile of fly covered #### both sides did in the last 20+ years that junior will probably miss riding the front of the bow wave.

Just get me a reserved stool at the microbrewery near my layover hotel