In message .com,
Andrea writes

Why do some South Eastern operators, e.g. Thameslink and Southern have
First Class? Aside from the fact that the seating is not very differnt
to Standard (apart from Thameslink who at least have proper First Class
seats),

The First Class accommodation on SWT is noticeably different to Standard
- wider seats (2+2 rather than 2+3), sockets for computers and phones,
individual reading lights, etc.

there are never any ticket checks on board these trains so
First Class can become a free-for-all with no distinction between who
has a Standard ticket in First and who doesn't.

I've certainly seen checks.

Just what is the logic behind offering First Class on suburban routes
in the London metropolis?

In the case of SWT, there is a distinction between true suburban routes
(the Hounslow and Kingston loops, for example) and semifast outer
suburban routes, such as the Windsor line, where there are a limited
number of inner London stops. First class is usually provided only on
the latter - presumably because there is a demand for it.

--
Paul Terry