The Comcast.net article What they were trying to do, get everyone into the VIP lounge is a "Music Industry " perk. Often times we (groups I have toured with) have been able to get the people who aren't traveling first class into the VIP lounge. BUT, and this is a big BUT, (he said BUT </beavis>) it was always dependant on who ever was running the joint.
Sometimes only those with the correct FFcard or ticket were allowed, ESPECIALLY if there were a lot of people in the lounge.
So reading the part where they were denied entry to the economy class ticketholders seems like someone didn't want to deal with the possible ramifications and stuck to policy.
Good for them I say.
The KICKER is that he is now banned from all other travel on their airline.
I hope it was worth it.