The guys that do it right don't work harder. It's a zero sum game if you are actually building the credit by flying. A caveat on zero sum is that it would open a month(s) to only flying premium. I don't IMAX currently but if I moved into a WB status most likely would. The problem is that a very small percentage, less than 10%, of pilots actually utilize it. It is a valuable trade chip but the union/NC would be hung out to dry if they actually tried.

It "can" be done by everyone but is more difficult for NB. It helps to have: A large bid status, WB, trade partners to launder trips with the same intentions, high sick bank, lots of vacation, high seniority, willingness to sometimes get stuck flying something you don't want or didn't mean to fly.

It could become wider used especially in NB statuses if someone could produce an app or website that somewhat automated the process. A group of pilots essentially throwing all their trips into the hat on an app that can sort who flies what and when they fly it combined with what they borrow to launder or keep for blocking could be powerful. It could also help with PBS for conflicts.

I say get rid of it in exchange for gains that everyone will enjoy but there will be one along shortly to rabidly defend I'm sure.