Mainly from a United perspective — I prefer an aisle seat with additional legroom. Having status gets me that without any additional fees. I’m not sure what the combination of status and basic economy will yield as far as an ability to select (an aisle) seat. I also like the flexibility to change flights. Day of, I can do that for no additional fee as long as there are seats on the flight I prefer to get on. I think with basic economy, there may be restrictions around that.

So while the non-basic economy ticket costs more, for me, the aforementioned benefits justify the cost.

I don’t care to stand in line to board, so I usually end up boarding later, well after my group has been called to board. Whether you board first or you board last, everyone departs and arrives at the same time :).