I can see how it might impact those with status. Firstly, status passenger may have previously been offered to move to a whole row free of charge. This now won't happen.
Secondly, with whole blocks of seats taken up, other passengers will be squeezed closer together - potentially losing the shadow or whole row for a platinum.
Example in point - couple of friends travelling
Etihad last week were seated in window and middle seat. At check-in, the agent noted their VA gold status and moved each of them to a block of three seats in the middle. Under the QF charging concept, plats may not be moved like that to better seats.