I tried to use my old black card this morning and the barista said it had expired... I couldn't remember only that I took it out in jan last year. Anyway when I got to office I checked online and it does not expire until 1/22. So BE CAREFUL!
I almost gave up on Sbux last year as it was getting too expensive. My Amex statement showed $1700 of spend with them in 2008. The 10% off for $25 was literally a tipping point in stopping me defecting to cheaper wares.
This year I've spent $1200 so the $25 gave me back around $133 (must have tolled up $1333 so after discount $1200). It's still a lot of money but taking the edge off the pain really helps.
I am thoroughly unimpressed with the new system. My typical week involves latte every morning and then on the weekend the family will pop in for a snack so usually couple of coffees, couple of milks for the kids and a couple of food items. So even if I game this to the max and pay for each item separately (and frankly I don't want to be the d**k in the store doing that) I'm going to be losing out.
Sadly for me there is not much alternative, but I will certainly be trying hard to find them